First visit down here since the fire as I've been on holiday. The southern/eastern third of the moss has been scorched but even though it happened only 10 days ago or so there are green shoots all over. I think by three weeks time you won't even be able to tell it had been burnt at all. It does always seem to bounce back quickly after these fires.
The weather was very cold this morning (much colder than I've been used to of late anyway) and bird activity was a little slow to get going. That said though there were a few good birds around. A new tick in the form of a Great Black-backed Gull flew through west. Further on a huge commotion from a raptor had me looking for its source. I soon locked onto a female Peregrine getting a hard time from several Crows. The Peregrine must have made a kill and the Crows were trying to bully her away from it which they eventually succeeded in doing but not before she spent ten minutes flying around and swooping at them. Other notables were 4 Wheatears on the scorched moss with another 3 in the surrounding fields and also an over flying Shelduck. All Wheatears were females and appeared to be Greenland types.
Terrible news this guys. This is a dire shame especially for any of the ground nesters that have just got going, or indeed any of the ground dwelling Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians, Insects etc. If it is arson, then it is mindless idiots that have no idea of possible serious repercussions down the food chain and upsetting a fine ecological balance of a sensitive ecosystem that is particular to that area.
I've never been to Highfield as Im not 100% sure exactly where it is or where to park, but I do get to Pennington every week. I'm on the other side of Manchester in Denton, right near Audenshaw Reservoirs. I regularly enjoy reading your posts of this area, and Nick Pete Ben Martyn and Paul I've read alot of all of your posts for one reserve or another, hope it recovers as quickly as possible and those responsible are dealt with appropriately.
Gutted for you all. Rob
Pete Astles said
Fri May 3 10:04 PM, 2013
Had a walk round the moss this morning the smell of ash hits you before you get near the moss and the moss itself iis quite a shock when you see it three quarters of it totally black and charred.
Good numbers maybe 20 wheatears on the moss standing out against the black 3 yellow wagtails again clearly standing against the black ash.
It is rather like draining a pond it's clear what is on there normally hidden although they are vulnerable to predation I presume the sinpe and woodcock are now elsewhere.
Good numbers of willow warbler. Lots of singing skylarks around the fields and with the growing rape crops and the swallows I could have been in the Cotswolds such a lovely part of the world.
Nick Isherwood said
Thu May 2 3:14 AM, 2013
It can be soul destroying to see probably half the moss scorched like this and it can look like the surface of another planet just after its happened. As I've said though the grass soon grows back and the ferns rocket up in a matter of days and after about six weeks it'll probably look like it was never burned in the first place. As Martyn has said, it can suddenly re-ignite too as the peat holds a lot of heat and the slightest thing can kick it off again. It's a pity that the place isn't accessible from a road as the fire brigade could have probably done more. Hopefully this will be the last of this - until next year probably.
Nice to hear that the Whinchat are still around despite the blaze and the bare clumps of earth will probably attract a few Wheatear to them.
Also I'm glad so many birders on here are discovering the place for themselves. It's just a pity that its when the place isn't looking its best. Hope to bump into a few of you down there at some point.
Pete Astles said
Thu May 2 1:16 AM, 2013
This happens every year.
Make sure it's reported to the regular local police and nick I would let LENDF know too. I will but it would help if you did too.
Ben Smart said
Wed May 1 8:00 PM, 2013
Visited Highfield Moss this evening for the first time. The fire damage is south of the railway line and covers an area approx 400x100 yards. there's a photo of some of the damage at the link below. Shame, as its clearly a great area. Hope the losses weren't too great. Two Whinchat seen on the burnt area with a pair of Wheatear. Also a Pipit landed in one of the trees in the burnt area. I think it is a Tree Pipit, but will have to study the books (and the website). also present; Swifts, Swallows, Yellowhammers, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Reed Buntings, with a pair of Buzzards overhead, and a pair of Lapwings surveying the burnt area and wondering what became of their nest (or is that a bit too anthropomorphic? Probably). PS. Actually after reading Ian's description on the website, I think it was just a Meadow Pipit in a tree!, but would appreciate confirmation. Thanks
-- Edited by Ben Smart on Thursday 2nd of May 2013 12:00:48 AM
Martyn Jones said
Wed May 1 4:55 PM, 2013
I was there when it happened again this afternoon and I phoned the Fire Brigade and let Ian know too. I thought he might know some lesser known path for them to get the vehicles there, as it seemed pretty inaccessible to me. When I first walked past the previously burnt area it wasn't on fire, but on my way back the flames were rising quite high. At first I thought it might have been land management but as I couldn't see anyone else about, I assumed it must have been spontaneous.
I called 999 and in spite of being put through to the Merseyside division, the appliance arrived in about 15 minutes. It had to turn back though when it approached the railway line from Newton Road and obviously couldn't get across - I don't know where they went next, perhaps down Winwick Lane. Talking to a local on my way out, he said it had been on fire last night too, and Ian says the ground can remain smouldering under the surface without actually being on fire - perhaps the hot weather was all it needed to get going again. Some photos are on my blog now but they were all taken with a 420mm telephoto as I wasn't expecting to need a wide angle shot today.
Apart from that there wasn't too much about (earlier) but I did see some Willow Warblers singing away, Reed Buntings, a Corn Bunting, a Linnet, a Kestrel, some Skylarks and the usual Crows, Tits and Pigeons. But most unusual of all, there was no sign of Nick Isherwood anywhere!
-- Edited by Martyn Jones on Wednesday 1st of May 2013 09:07:37 PM
Nick Isherwood said
Wed May 1 3:13 PM, 2013
Many thanks for your sympathies guys. My only hope is that it's just a superficial burning and permanent damage hasn't been done. The height of the flames last night has me worried though as they easily looked at least fifteen feet high from a few hundred yards away. There are still skeletons of gorse bushes present on there from a bad burn a few years ago. The grasses bounce back fairly quickly. The bushes and trees aren't so fortunate. If anyone is visiting I'd appreciate an update as I can't make it down there now for a week or so.
John Doherty said
Wed May 1 7:41 AM, 2013
Gutted, Nick - I know you enjoy birding there and I enjoy reading your sightings there has to be a way somehow to stop this mindlessness- even if it's CCTV
Nick Isherwood said
Wed May 1 5:14 AM, 2013
Just driving back home down Winwick Lane this evening and I cast my eyes over towards the moss only to see the place on fire. The flames from it were clearly visible from a good distance and the whole sky was lit up.
Every year the local d**kheads do this to varying degrees. It makes me sick to see it especially as several species of ground nesting birds are now setting up territories in preparation for breeding. Hopefully the moss will recover quickly and new growth will spring forth soon.
Nick Isherwood said
Wed May 1 12:27 AM, 2013
A quick blast around for an hour this afternoon. All the usual birds present plus two male Whinchats that have been present for almost a week now. I watched them for a few minutes fly catching in the centre of the moss before they disappeared from view. Also eight Wheatears (3m,5f) present in the raked field on the eastern side and two Oystercatchers by the flood in the field by the airstrip. Other notables were:
Really sorry to read this, Nick - it's so sad. I was actually thinking of dropping over there tomorrow - change plans! So thanks for posting it but it's really sickening.
-- Edited by Paul Richardson on Tuesday 30th of April 2013 10:41:37 PM
Nick Isherwood said
Mon Apr 29 3:40 PM, 2013
Another early morning wander around the moss. Cool and breezy and quite dull kept a few birds hunkered down but still plenty of activity. Best birds of the morning was a flock of twelve Corn Buntings at the top of a large Oak by the side of the air strip. After a few years of just single birds down here it makes a nice change to finally get a few.
-- Edited by Nick Isherwood on Monday 29th of April 2013 03:41:20 PM
Nick Isherwood said
Sat Apr 27 5:52 PM, 2013
Early morning mooch covering all areas from 6.00 to 8.30. Bitterly cold and a ground frost under foot but still loads of activity and some good birds around. A single male Whinchat was still present near the south side while at least eight Corn Buntings fed in the raked field by the air strip. Wheatears were well evident all around and I managed a count of at least 15 birds including one bird that was very obliging and allowed views down to four yards. Whitethroat numbers were up but i suspect some of these birds were just moving through and new birds on the patch were a pair of Shelduck and also a pair of Moorhens.
Another late afternoon mooch and some nice birds around.
Two cracking male Yellow Wagtails feeding in the newly raked field on the east side together with 10 Wheatears (7m,3f), 4 Pied Wagtails, 3 White Wagtails and a handful of Linnets and Meadow Pipits. Further down the airstrip a male Corn Bunting was singing and it was also accompanied by two other birds. Best of all were 2 male Whinchats perched up on the ferns on the south side of the moss. I sat down and watched them for a while and managed a few record shots. Whinchats are an annual bird on the moss and I always look forward to seeing them each year.
Nick Isherwood said
Wed Apr 24 12:12 AM, 2013
Late afternoon mooch. Slightly dull and a little cool and breezy but plenty of activity especially on the eastern side where the local farmers were turning the soil over on one of the fields abutting the moss. At least 15 Skylarks, White Wagtails, Pied Wagtails, Wheatears and a single Yellow Wagtail were taking advantage of the turned soil. Further down upto 40 Linnets plus Reed Buntings ,Yellowhammers and best of all 7 Corn Buntings were also feeding in the field.
2 Willow Tits - in the quarry. 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Kestrel - male. 2 Buzzards 2 Oystercatchers - on flood. 4 Long Tailed Tits. 7 Wheatears - 5f, 2m 1 Yellow Wagtail - female. 2 Pied Wagtails 3 White Wagtails c15 Skylarks 7 Lapwings 7 Corn Buntings 3 Stock Doves c40 Linnets 1 Grey Heron over south.
Another early one today from 6.00 to 8.30. A light ground frost was evident at first but it soon gave way to a beautiful morning. Plenty of activity around as usual.
1 Kestrel with what appeared to be a rat. 11 Meadow Pipits 3 Skylarks in full song. 1 Pied Wagtail 15 Yellowhammers 3 Lapwings 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 8 Chaffinches c20 Linnets 2 Grey Partridges 12 Willow Warblers - all in full song. 2 Oystercatchers being very vocal. 5 Long Tailed Tits 1 Pheasant 12 Reed Buntings 1 Whitethroat - male. 6 Wheatears - 1 male at the western end and 4 males and a female on the airstrip. 2 Song Thrushes 4 Corn Buntings - two briefly alighted in a tree in the centre of the moss plus a singing male near the airstrip and another near Highfield farm.
-- Edited by Nick Isherwood on Saturday 20th of April 2013 07:54:10 PM
Nick Isherwood said
Sat Apr 20 3:47 AM, 2013
The case of the one that got away this morning. As I approached the line a small, dark bird flitted from the top of the railway embankment and flew away across the line. White sides to the tail and white on the wings immediately made me think Pied Flycatcher but my views were so brief that I just couldn't be certain. Elsewhere, there were 11 Wheatears present with at least two of these being Greenland race.
1 Kestrel - male. 3 Skylarks 11 Yellowhammers 7 Meadow Pipits 4 Chaffinches 4 Lapwings c26 Linnets 1 Pheasant 3 Swallows - through west. 1 Goldcrest 8 Willow Warblers 10 Reed Buntings 1 Pied Wagtail - over north. 1 Whitethroat - male and the first of spring. 2 Jays 1 Song Thrush 2 Long Tailed Tits 2 Goldfinches 2 Mistle Thrushes 2 Oystercatchers on ploughed field to the east. 11 Wheatear - 5 male, 6 female. Two males where Greenland race. 1 Cormorant over north.
Nick Isherwood said
Thu Apr 18 12:42 AM, 2013
A couple of hours down here this morning in very windy conditions.
1 Grey Heron through west. 6 Skylarks 7 Lapwings going mental at a passing Buzzard. c28 Linnets 2 Long Tailed Tits 14 Yellowhammers 7 Chaffinches 8 Reed Buntings 2 Meadow Pipits 1 Canada Goose through south. 3 Willow Warblers 1 Grey Partridge 1 Pheasant 2 Song Thrushes 1 Buzzard 1 Sparrowhawk - came in from the south were it put up 24 Golden Plover from the direction of Barrows Lane. 1 Teal 2 Wheatear - m,f 1 Corn Bunting singing near to Highfield Farm.
Nick Isherwood said
Tue Apr 16 9:50 PM, 2013
First visit down here in over a week due to a short holiday and a stomach bug and what a difference a week makes. Despite the strong winds there was quite a bit of activity most of which was on the eastern and slightly more sheltered side. At least 20 Swallows were present here fly catching and surfing the wind over the airstrip, a single male Wheatear was also present here along with 3 Pied Wagtails and several Meadow Pipits. Good numbers of Linnets were on show as were Chaffinches, Yellowhammers and Reed Buntings. A brief view of a male Great Spotted Woodpecker through the trees and also a single Willow Warbler singing too - the first of the spring. Two Buzzards battled through westwards against the wind as did a single male Kestrel.
Nick Isherwood said
Mon Apr 8 10:15 PM, 2013
Early morning blast around the moss. Bright but a chill wind again made me think that spring has not yet sprung.
61 Meadow Pipits mostly through north. Many appeared to have roosted on the moss over night. 3 Fieldfare over east. 2 Mistle Thrushes 3 Pied Wagtails over north. 4 Skylarks 11 Yellowhammers 4 Lapwings 8 Chaffinches 4 Mallards 3 Stock Doves over north. 1 Buzzard 1 Chiffchaff - the first of spring down here. c28 Linnets - including a flock of 20. 16 Reed Buntings 1 Cormorant over west. 3 Pheasants 4 Grey Partridges 1 Goldcrest 2 Teal 2 Song Thrushes 2 Long Tailed Tits
Nick Isherwood said
Sat Apr 6 4:34 PM, 2013
A nice slow mooch around the moss this morning from 6.30 to 9.00. As per the last few days Meadow Pipits were still trickling through, but only during the first hour of light after which they seemed to cease. A large flock of Linnets was present on the south side too with many in fine song - the largest number I've had of them down here for a while. Also a Corn Bunting sang briefly from a tree in the centre of the moss before flying away south and a very vocal Curlew flew through west at the same time. I just wish it would begin to warm up a little now.
2 Pied Wagtails over north. 6 Grey Partridge 46 Meadow Pipits - most over north. 18 Yellowhammers 6 Skylarks 7 Redwings 9 Chaffinches 2 Buzzards 3 Pheasants 16 Fieldfares 6 Stock Doves - over north. 16 Reed Buntings 7 Mallards 3 Common Snipe c33 Linnets 1 Willow Tit 4 Long Tailed Tits 1 Corn Bunting 2 Teal 1 Curlew - over west. 8 Lapwings 4 Mistle Thrushes
Nick Isherwood said
Fri Apr 5 12:57 AM, 2013
As reported elsewhere on the forum there were steady numbers of Meadow Pipits trickling through north this morning during the first hour of daylight. Other than that bird activity was much the same as it has been of late.
13 Redwings - twelve over east. 2 Mistle Thrushes 46 Meadow Pipits 15 Yellowhammers 1 Pied Wagtail - over east. 3 Skylarks in full song. 8 Chaffinches 5 Lapwings 3 Goldfinches 10 Reed Buntings 2 Pheasants 2 Linnets 7 Mallards 6 Long Tailed Tits 1 Willow Tit 1 Buzzard 1 Grey Heron over north 3 Fieldfares
Lawrence Hindley said
Wed Apr 3 5:15 AM, 2013
Nick and Pete. Further to the comments about off road biking, I was at the Moss yesterday afternoon the 1st and there was a motorbike heading to cross the moss until he saw me. I turned to challenge him and he went back to the road past the farm.
I did not post anything (apart from a close up view of a Buzzard) as it was very quiet with a biting wind, so I did not stay long.
Pete Astles said
Wed Apr 3 3:22 AM, 2013
Nick you have PM
Nick Isherwood said
Wed Apr 3 2:30 AM, 2013
Pete Astles wrote:
Nick I will put the path on my Facebook page later once my phones charged up and I have watched corrie which I taped from last night. ( don't tell me what happens)
I phoned Wigan council a few weeks ago they have made redundant their ecology officer and they said it was now being managed by LWT. I spoke to the contact ( can't recall his name but on my website) and he said it was a major concern the new paths being opened up.
If as you say it has been taken over by LWT then I'm surprised they've not put any notices up yet to inform everyone of the fact.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the moss to be managed and afforded a little protection (more than it currently gets anyway). The hunting with dogs down there needs to be stopped as well as any off road biking etc. Do you know if there is to be any consultation on these management plans or are they just going to go ahead and re-wet it?
Pete Astles said
Wed Apr 3 1:42 AM, 2013
Nick I will put the path on my Facebook page later once my phones charged up and I have watched corrie which I taped from last night. ( don't tell me what happens)
I phoned Wigan council a few weeks ago they have made redundant their ecology officer and they said it was now being managed by LWT. I spoke to the contact ( can't recall his name but on my website) and he said it was a major concern the new paths being opened up.
Nick Isherwood said
Wed Apr 3 12:52 AM, 2013
Pete Astles wrote:
Morning visit.
Good views of buzzard hunting low over fields. 3 reed bunting 4 yellowhammer including one lovely specimen don't know whether the male brightens up in spring for display purposes. 1 willow tit I snipe in flight.
Noticed people are now making pathways through the centre of the moss. This is what Lancashire wildlife trust who run the moss on behalf of Wigan are trying to stop. It causes environmental damage to the plant life plus it's only a matter of time before the off road bikes spot it as a fun thing to ride accross. It is also dangerous in the centre. Plus the plan is to re wet it which will make the paths unusable anyway.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 2nd of April 2013 04:47:12 PM
What paths are you referring to Pete. I've not seen any new paths across the moss for a while now though there are a couple of well trodden ones that have been there for quite a few years.
Also, I wasn't aware that Wigan MBC had acquired the moss yet. LWT are only down for managing it once the land is acquired.
Pete Astles said
Tue Apr 2 4:43 PM, 2013
Morning visit.
Good views of buzzard hunting low over fields. 3 reed bunting 4 yellowhammer including one lovely specimen don't know whether the male brightens up in spring for display purposes. 1 willow tit I snipe in flight.
Noticed people are now making pathways through the centre of the moss. This is what Lancashire wildlife trust who run the moss on behalf of Wigan are trying to stop. It causes environmental damage to the plant life plus it's only a matter of time before the off road bikes spot it as a fun thing to ride accross. It is also dangerous in the centre. Plus the plan is to re wet it which will make the paths unusable anyway.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 2nd of April 2013 04:47:12 PM
Nick Isherwood said
Tue Apr 2 5:38 AM, 2013
You're right Dennis. The wind could have been a big factor.
I've been down there in easterly winds many times though and never had Snipe in that ditch before.
Dennis atherton said
Tue Apr 2 5:25 AM, 2013
Wind direction?
Quite windy today and cold as you mentioned and a possible different wind directional change could of made the ditch more appealling than usual today, nice and sheltered more so than the usual area, just a thought?
Nick Isherwood said
Tue Apr 2 1:10 AM, 2013
Colder conditions again this morning from 6.45 to 8.30. Overcast with a chill wind meant bird activity was a little more subdued than previous visits. Still, one or two good birds around including a Woodcock that flushed from the ditch on the east side with several Common Snipe. Interestingly, during the years I've birded the moss I've never recorded Snipe in this ditch before. Makes me wonder why they were roosting there on this occasion.
Another early one this morning and I finally caught up with my first proper spring migrant. A lovely male Wheatear in the field by the air strip. After watching it for a few minutes it then flew and perched at the top of a tall tree - something I've never seen a Wheatear do before. Numbers of Meadow Pipits were also up on the moss though I suspect many of these birds were just passing through.
It was also good to meet up with you this morning. Its a great patch and I'm sure I will see you again. I can add 2 jays passing north of the railway tracks just after you left.
Nick Isherwood said
Fri Mar 29 3:59 PM, 2013
Early morning mooch today from 6.00 to 8.00am. Frosty under foot but nice and bright. Quite a bit of activity and I had company for once from a fellow local birder named Lawrence. Nice to have met you.
3 Skylarks 2 Cormorants over - one north west the other west. 8 Redwings - 3 over east and 5 feeding with Starlings near Newton Road. 9 Yellowhammers 8 Chaffinches 7 Long Tailed Tits 6 Meadow Pipits 17 Reed Buntings 1 Grey Heron over east 2 Buzzards 20 Fieldfares - 13 over south and the rest eastwards. 1 Linnet - male. 1 Willow Tit 2 Teal - m,f 1 Goldcrest 2 Goldfinches 4 Lapwings 2 Greenfinches
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Mar 29 3:20 AM, 2013
Karen Foulkes wrote:
No sign of the Great Grey Shrike
No sign of the possible/probable...
Karen Foulkes said
Fri Mar 29 3:16 AM, 2013
1300 - 1500 with Pat and Seamus Griffin and Bill Harrison
No sign of the Great Grey Shrike
Wheatear by A573
Nick Isherwood said
Fri Mar 29 12:56 AM, 2013
Dan Brown wrote:
2:30 until 4:00 with Andy Pinches
No sign of Great Grey Shrike. If the bird was viewed from the train it must have been very close to the actual track, which is down an embankment and well below the level of the Moss which must surely be out of sight of rail passengers???
3 Buzzard 3 Kestrel Grey Partridge Lapwing
The south side is mostly out of view to train passengers but quite a bit of the northern part should be viewable as the embankment isn't as high or steep there.
Although the moss here does have some very Shrike like habitat I am rather dubious about the sighting given that it was from a passing train. The trains usually run through here at about 30-40mph so whoever saw it must have had only a fleeting glimpse.
Dan Brown said
Fri Mar 29 12:27 AM, 2013
2:30 until 4:00 with Andy Pinches
No sign of Great Grey Shrike. If the bird was viewed from the train it must have been very close to the actual track, which is down an embankment and well below the level of the Moss which must surely be out of sight of rail passengers???
3 Buzzard 3 Kestrel Grey Partridge Lapwing
Nick Isherwood said
Thu Mar 28 9:27 PM, 2013
Just done a quick hour down there and no sign of any Great Grey Shrike.
John Rayner said
Thu Mar 28 8:09 PM, 2013
Henry Cook wrote:
Reportedly seen from the train at 8am on the north side of the railway line. Seeing stuff from the train is a challenge but then again this is a distinctive species. Worth a look!
Well that's one Riggers hasn't got on his 'from the cab' list
Ian McKerchar said
Thu Mar 28 7:04 PM, 2013
Tanmay Dixit wrote:
Great Grey Shrike reported today on birdguides.
Anybody know of the accuracy of this/where the bird is etc?
Probable (?) seen from train north of the railway mid-way between the A573 and A579 bridges this morning.
The eternal pessimist with these kind of reports, I'll be very happy to be proven wrong but until them I'm not holding my breath...
Henry Cook said
Thu Mar 28 7:00 PM, 2013
Reportedly seen from the train at 8am on the north side of the railway line. Seeing stuff from the train is a challenge but then again this is a distinctive species. Worth a look!
Tanmay Dixit said
Thu Mar 28 6:18 PM, 2013
Great Grey Shrike reported today on birdguides.
Anybody know of the accuracy of this/where the bird is etc?
Nick Isherwood said
Mon Mar 25 10:37 PM, 2013
Early visit today from 6.00 to 7.45. A really biting wind but still quite a bit of activity.
1 Pied Wagtail 2 Mistle Thrushes with Fieldfares and Redwings. c20 Fieldfares 7 Redwings 11 Yellowhammers 1 Canada Goose - through eastwards. 1 Stonechat - female along the ditch north of the line. 4 Skylarks 8 Chaffinches 2 Pheasants 3 Meadow Pipits 13 Reed Buntings 2 Mallards- m,f 2 Common Snipe 3 Golden Plover - through eastwards. 3 Long Tailed Tits 1 Song Thrush 3 Linnets - surprisingly the first I've had down here this year. 6 Lapwings 1 Buzzard 1 Sparrowhawk
Nick Isherwood said
Mon Mar 25 3:14 PM, 2013
Female Stonechat present just north of the line this morning at 6.15am.
Nick Isherwood said
Fri Mar 22 3:16 AM, 2013
A cold and breezy visit to the moss late this afternoon. Surprisingly there were more birds around than I thought there would be. A bit of light gull passage seemed to be going on too with mostly Lesser Black Backs and Herring Gulls heading eastwards.
2 Mistle Thrushes 2 Kestrels 5 Lapwings 14 Stock Doves - the first ones of the year down here. 1 Skylark in full song c15 Redwings 3 Mallards - 2m,1f 1 Yellowhammer 4 Goldfinches 5 Reed Buntings 10 Common Snipe 8 Fieldfares 2 Grey Partridges c20 Golden Plover over north west 5 Chaffinches 1 Buzzard with a rabbit 2 Long Tailed Tits.
Nick Isherwood said
Wed Mar 20 1:25 AM, 2013
Late afternoon mooch today.
2 Buzzards 6 Lapwings 1 Chaffinch 2 Pheasants 13 Common Snipe 5 Reed Buntings 1 Skylark 2 Kestrels 2 Mallard c25 Golden Plover over south east. 1 Grey Heron - stood in the ploughed field to the south. 2 Yellowhammers 3 Long Tailed Tits
Nick Isherwood said
Wed Mar 13 1:05 AM, 2013
A cracking late afternoon mooch round the moss as I came upon a mixed flock of finches and buntings that were feeding in recently raked fields just north and also south of the moss. The flock consisted of c35 Chaffinches, 3 Bramblings, several Yelowhammers and best of all 11 Corn Buntings. These were undoubtably the recent birds from the Barrow Lane area but it was nice to see that they'd travelled the few hundred metres north into GM.
The weather was very cold this morning (much colder than I've been used to of late anyway) and bird activity was a little slow to get going. That said though there were a few good birds around. A new tick in the form of a Great Black-backed Gull flew through west. Further on a huge commotion from a raptor had me looking for its source. I soon locked onto a female Peregrine getting a hard time from several Crows. The Peregrine must have made a kill and the Crows were trying to bully her away from it which they eventually succeeded in doing but not before she spent ten minutes flying around and swooping at them. Other notables were 4 Wheatears on the scorched moss with another 3 in the surrounding fields and also an over flying Shelduck. All Wheatears were females and appeared to be Greenland types.
3 Chaffinches
5 Skylarks
8 Yellowhammers
5 Lapwings
7 Meadow Pipits
15 Linnets
7 Wheatears
1 Great Black-backed Gull
2 Oystercatchers
3 Long Tailed Tits
5 Whitethroats
9 Willow Warblers
8 Reed Buntings
1 Peregrine
2 Moorhens
1 Buzzard
1 Song Thrush
1 Pied Wagtail
1 Shelduck
If it is arson, then it is mindless idiots that have no idea of possible serious repercussions down the food chain and upsetting a fine ecological balance of a sensitive ecosystem that is particular to that area.
I've never been to Highfield as Im not 100% sure exactly where it is or where to park, but I do get to Pennington every week. I'm on the other side of Manchester in Denton, right near Audenshaw Reservoirs. I regularly enjoy reading your posts of this area, and Nick Pete Ben Martyn and Paul I've read alot of all of your posts for one reserve or another, hope it recovers as quickly as possible and those responsible are dealt with appropriately.
Gutted for you all.
Rob
Good numbers maybe 20 wheatears on the moss standing out against the black
3 yellow wagtails again clearly standing against the black ash.
It is rather like draining a pond it's clear what is on there normally hidden although they are vulnerable to predation I presume the sinpe and woodcock are now elsewhere.
Good numbers of willow warbler. Lots of singing skylarks around the fields and with the growing rape crops and the swallows I could have been in the Cotswolds such a lovely part of the world.
Nice to hear that the Whinchat are still around despite the blaze and the bare clumps of earth will probably attract a few Wheatear to them.
Also I'm glad so many birders on here are discovering the place for themselves. It's just a pity that its when the place isn't looking its best. Hope to bump into a few of you down there at some point.
Make sure it's reported to the regular local police and nick I would let LENDF know too. I will but it would help if you did too.
Shame, as its clearly a great area. Hope the losses weren't too great. Two Whinchat seen on the burnt area with a pair of Wheatear. Also a Pipit landed in one of the trees in the burnt area. I think it is a Tree Pipit, but will have to study the books (and the website).
also present; Swifts, Swallows, Yellowhammers, Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Reed Buntings, with a pair of Buzzards overhead, and a pair of Lapwings surveying the burnt area and wondering what became of their nest (or is that a bit too anthropomorphic? Probably).
PS. Actually after reading Ian's description on the website, I think it was just a Meadow Pipit in a tree!, but would appreciate confirmation. Thanks
-- Edited by Ben Smart on Thursday 2nd of May 2013 12:00:48 AM
I called 999 and in spite of being put through to the Merseyside division, the appliance arrived in about 15 minutes. It had to turn back though when it approached the railway line from Newton Road and obviously couldn't get across - I don't know where they went next, perhaps down Winwick Lane. Talking to a local on my way out, he said it had been on fire last night too, and Ian says the ground can remain smouldering under the surface without actually being on fire - perhaps the hot weather was all it needed to get going again. Some photos are on my blog now but they were all taken with a 420mm telephoto as I wasn't expecting to need a wide angle shot today.
Apart from that there wasn't too much about (earlier) but I did see some Willow Warblers singing away, Reed Buntings, a Corn Bunting, a Linnet, a Kestrel, some Skylarks and the usual Crows, Tits and Pigeons. But most unusual of all, there was no sign of Nick Isherwood anywhere!
-- Edited by Martyn Jones on Wednesday 1st of May 2013 09:07:37 PM
Every year the local d**kheads do this to varying degrees. It makes me sick to see it especially as several species of ground nesting birds are now setting up territories in preparation for breeding. Hopefully the moss will recover quickly and new growth will spring forth soon.
2 Kestrels
3 Whitethroats
4 Lapwings
1 Mistle Thrush
1 Willow Tit
-- Edited by Paul Richardson on Tuesday 30th of April 2013 10:41:37 PM
8 Chaffinches
2 Canada Geese over north.
13 Yellowhammers
3 Skylarks
13 Wheatears - 2m, 11f
7 Lapwings
1 Mistle Thrush
11 Willow Warblers
2 Oystercatchers
4 White Wagtails
9 Reed Buntings
5 Meadow Pipits
1 Moorhen
4 Whitethroats
c37 Linnets - including one flock of c25
2 Pheasants
12 Corn Buntings
-- Edited by Nick Isherwood on Monday 29th of April 2013 03:41:20 PM
4 Grey Partridges
15 Yellowhammers
5 Skylarks
c30 Linnets
9 Meadow Pipits
11 Lapwings
2 Shelducks
12 Swallows trickling through northwards.
15 Wheatears - 8m,7f
7 Chaffinches
12 Willow Warblers
1 Mistle Thrush
6 Goldfinches
3 Pheasants
6 Whitethroats
11 Reed Buntings
8 Corn Buntings
2 Moorhens
1 Whinchat - male
1 Kestrel
1 Song Thrush
2 Jays
2 White Wagtails
Two cracking male Yellow Wagtails feeding in the newly raked field on the east side together with 10 Wheatears (7m,3f), 4 Pied Wagtails, 3 White Wagtails and a handful of Linnets and Meadow Pipits. Further down the airstrip a male Corn Bunting was singing and it was also accompanied by two other birds. Best of all were 2 male Whinchats perched up on the ferns on the south side of the moss. I sat down and watched them for a while and managed a few record shots. Whinchats are an annual bird on the moss and I always look forward to seeing them each year.
2 Willow Tits - in the quarry.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Kestrel - male.
2 Buzzards
2 Oystercatchers - on flood.
4 Long Tailed Tits.
7 Wheatears - 5f, 2m
1 Yellow Wagtail - female.
2 Pied Wagtails
3 White Wagtails
c15 Skylarks
7 Lapwings
7 Corn Buntings
3 Stock Doves
c40 Linnets
1 Grey Heron over south.
Plus several Willow Warblers and the usuals.
2 Grey Partridges
5 Lapwings
19 Linnets
7 Wheatears - 4m,3f
15 Yellowhammers
4 Skylarks
6 Chaffinches
10 Reed Buntings
2 Mistle Thrushes
8 Willow Warblers
9 Meadow Pipits
1 Corn Bunting - singing by the the railway line.
2 Song Thrushes
1 Pheasant - male.
1 Pied Wagtail.
1 Kestrel with what appeared to be a rat.
11 Meadow Pipits
3 Skylarks in full song.
1 Pied Wagtail
15 Yellowhammers
3 Lapwings
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
8 Chaffinches
c20 Linnets
2 Grey Partridges
12 Willow Warblers - all in full song.
2 Oystercatchers being very vocal.
5 Long Tailed Tits
1 Pheasant
12 Reed Buntings
1 Whitethroat - male.
6 Wheatears - 1 male at the western end and 4 males and a female on the airstrip.
2 Song Thrushes
4 Corn Buntings - two briefly alighted in a tree in the centre of the moss plus a singing male near the airstrip and another near Highfield farm.
-- Edited by Nick Isherwood on Saturday 20th of April 2013 07:54:10 PM
1 Kestrel - male.
3 Skylarks
11 Yellowhammers
7 Meadow Pipits
4 Chaffinches
4 Lapwings
c26 Linnets
1 Pheasant
3 Swallows - through west.
1 Goldcrest
8 Willow Warblers
10 Reed Buntings
1 Pied Wagtail - over north.
1 Whitethroat - male and the first of spring.
2 Jays
1 Song Thrush
2 Long Tailed Tits
2 Goldfinches
2 Mistle Thrushes
2 Oystercatchers on ploughed field to the east.
11 Wheatear - 5 male, 6 female. Two males where Greenland race.
1 Cormorant over north.
1 Grey Heron through west.
6 Skylarks
7 Lapwings going mental at a passing Buzzard.
c28 Linnets
2 Long Tailed Tits
14 Yellowhammers
7 Chaffinches
8 Reed Buntings
2 Meadow Pipits
1 Canada Goose through south.
3 Willow Warblers
1 Grey Partridge
1 Pheasant
2 Song Thrushes
1 Buzzard
1 Sparrowhawk - came in from the south were it put up 24 Golden Plover from the direction of Barrows Lane.
1 Teal
2 Wheatear - m,f
1 Corn Bunting singing near to Highfield Farm.
61 Meadow Pipits mostly through north. Many appeared to have roosted on the moss over night.
3 Fieldfare over east.
2 Mistle Thrushes
3 Pied Wagtails over north.
4 Skylarks
11 Yellowhammers
4 Lapwings
8 Chaffinches
4 Mallards
3 Stock Doves over north.
1 Buzzard
1 Chiffchaff - the first of spring down here.
c28 Linnets - including a flock of 20.
16 Reed Buntings
1 Cormorant over west.
3 Pheasants
4 Grey Partridges
1 Goldcrest
2 Teal
2 Song Thrushes
2 Long Tailed Tits
2 Pied Wagtails over north.
6 Grey Partridge
46 Meadow Pipits - most over north.
18 Yellowhammers
6 Skylarks
7 Redwings
9 Chaffinches
2 Buzzards
3 Pheasants
16 Fieldfares
6 Stock Doves - over north.
16 Reed Buntings
7 Mallards
3 Common Snipe
c33 Linnets
1 Willow Tit
4 Long Tailed Tits
1 Corn Bunting
2 Teal
1 Curlew - over west.
8 Lapwings
4 Mistle Thrushes
13 Redwings - twelve over east.
2 Mistle Thrushes
46 Meadow Pipits
15 Yellowhammers
1 Pied Wagtail - over east.
3 Skylarks in full song.
8 Chaffinches
5 Lapwings
3 Goldfinches
10 Reed Buntings
2 Pheasants
2 Linnets
7 Mallards
6 Long Tailed Tits
1 Willow Tit
1 Buzzard
1 Grey Heron over north
3 Fieldfares
I did not post anything (apart from a close up view of a Buzzard) as it was very quiet with a biting wind, so I did not stay long.
If as you say it has been taken over by LWT then I'm surprised they've not put any notices up yet to inform everyone of the fact.
Don't get me wrong, I'm all for the moss to be managed and afforded a little protection (more than it currently gets anyway). The hunting with dogs down there needs to be stopped as well as any off road biking etc. Do you know if there is to be any consultation on these management plans or are they just going to go ahead and re-wet it?
I phoned Wigan council a few weeks ago they have made redundant their ecology officer and they said it was now being managed by LWT. I spoke to the contact ( can't recall his name but on my website) and he said it was a major concern the new paths being opened up.
What paths are you referring to Pete. I've not seen any new paths across the moss for a while now though there are a couple of well trodden ones that have been there for quite a few years.
Also, I wasn't aware that Wigan MBC had acquired the moss yet. LWT are only down for managing it once the land is acquired.
Good views of buzzard hunting low over fields.
3 reed bunting
4 yellowhammer including one lovely specimen don't know whether the male brightens up in spring for display purposes.
1 willow tit
I snipe in flight.
Noticed people are now making pathways through the centre of the moss. This is what Lancashire wildlife trust who run the moss on behalf of Wigan are trying to stop. It causes environmental damage to the plant life plus it's only a matter of time before the off road bikes spot it as a fun thing to ride accross. It is also dangerous in the centre. Plus the plan is to re wet it which will make the paths unusable anyway.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Tuesday 2nd of April 2013 04:47:12 PM
I've been down there in easterly winds many times though and never had Snipe in that ditch before.
Quite windy today and cold as you mentioned and a possible different wind directional change could of made the ditch more appealling than usual today, nice and sheltered more so than the usual area, just a thought?
2 Mistle Thrushes
5 Redwings
12 Yellowhammers
3 Pied Wagtails
8 Reed Buntings
6 Chaffinches
4 Lapwings
2 Pheasants
6 Long Tailed Tits
7 Meadow Pipits
6 Mallards
7 Common Snipe
2 Linnets
1 Woodcock
2 Skylarks
2 Canada Geese through south.
4 Redwings
10 Skylarks
2 Goldfinches
9 Yellowhammers
16 Meadow Pipits
9 Chaffinches
4 Mallards
16 Reed Buntings
2 Pheasants
3 Fieldfares
3 Linnets
3 Long Tailed Tits
1 Willow Tit
1 Wheatear - male
2 Teal - m,f
4 Lapwings
2 Mistle Thrushes
3 Skylarks
2 Cormorants over - one north west the other west.
8 Redwings - 3 over east and 5 feeding with Starlings near Newton Road.
9 Yellowhammers
8 Chaffinches
7 Long Tailed Tits
6 Meadow Pipits
17 Reed Buntings
1 Grey Heron over east
2 Buzzards
20 Fieldfares - 13 over south and the rest eastwards.
1 Linnet - male.
1 Willow Tit
2 Teal - m,f
1 Goldcrest
2 Goldfinches
4 Lapwings
2 Greenfinches
No sign of the possible/probable...
No sign of the Great Grey Shrike
Wheatear by A573
The south side is mostly out of view to train passengers but quite a bit of the northern part should be viewable as the embankment isn't as high or steep there.
Although the moss here does have some very Shrike like habitat I am rather dubious about the sighting given that it was from a passing train. The trains usually run through here at about 30-40mph so whoever saw it must have had only a fleeting glimpse.
No sign of Great Grey Shrike. If the bird was viewed from the train it must have been very close to the actual track, which is down an embankment and well below the level of the Moss which must surely be out of sight of rail passengers???
3 Buzzard
3 Kestrel
Grey Partridge
Lapwing
Probable (?) seen from train north of the railway mid-way between the A573 and A579 bridges this morning.
The eternal pessimist with these kind of reports, I'll be very happy to be proven wrong but until them I'm not holding my breath...
Seeing stuff from the train is a challenge but then again this is a distinctive species. Worth a look!
Anybody know of the accuracy of this/where the bird is etc?
1 Pied Wagtail
2 Mistle Thrushes with Fieldfares and Redwings.
c20 Fieldfares
7 Redwings
11 Yellowhammers
1 Canada Goose - through eastwards.
1 Stonechat - female along the ditch north of the line.
4 Skylarks
8 Chaffinches
2 Pheasants
3 Meadow Pipits
13 Reed Buntings
2 Mallards- m,f
2 Common Snipe
3 Golden Plover - through eastwards.
3 Long Tailed Tits
1 Song Thrush
3 Linnets - surprisingly the first I've had down here this year.
6 Lapwings
1 Buzzard
1 Sparrowhawk
2 Mistle Thrushes
2 Kestrels
5 Lapwings
14 Stock Doves - the first ones of the year down here.
1 Skylark in full song
c15 Redwings
3 Mallards - 2m,1f
1 Yellowhammer
4 Goldfinches
5 Reed Buntings
10 Common Snipe
8 Fieldfares
2 Grey Partridges
c20 Golden Plover over north west
5 Chaffinches
1 Buzzard with a rabbit
2 Long Tailed Tits.
2 Buzzards
6 Lapwings
1 Chaffinch
2 Pheasants
13 Common Snipe
5 Reed Buntings
1 Skylark
2 Kestrels
2 Mallard
c25 Golden Plover over south east.
1 Grey Heron - stood in the ploughed field to the south.
2 Yellowhammers
3 Long Tailed Tits
9 Redwings
2 Pied Wagtails
2 Mistle Thrushes
6 Goldfinches
40 Chaffinches
9 Common Snipe
2 Buzzards
9 Yellowhammers
2 Mallard
3 Reed Buntings
11 Corn Buntings - a patch record
3 Bramblings - two males.
2 Meadow Pipits
1 Pheasant
1 Willow Tit
2 Collared Doves