2 Oystercatcher flew down Brushes Valley, over Walkerwood Reservoir, calling. One continued west, but the other turned and flew back up the valley.
One Cormorant was on Walkerwood Reservoir at 7.00am. Pair of Grey Wagtails taking food into a nest.
David Walsh said
Sun Jun 16 11:00 PM, 2019
Sunday 16th June 2019, 9.30 - 11.30am.
Brushes Rifle Ranges and Wild Bank Hill.
19 Willow Warblers, several feeding youngsters 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the boggy area behind Range House 1 Chiffchaff singing 1 female Reed Bunting 20+ Meadow Pipits 6+ Lesser Redpoll 2 pairs of Linnet on Wild Bank, both visiting nest sites, with one female seen removing a faecal sac
David Walsh said
Sun Jun 9 11:04 PM, 2019
Sunday 9th June 2019, 9.30 - 11.30am.
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir.
9 Mistle Thrush feeding on Higher Swineshaw dam banking Pair of Stonechat carrying food Willow Warbler fledging begging food from an adult at Lower Swineshaw scout hut. Many other adults seen carrying food Male Cuckoo singing on Swineshaw Moor, then seen flying back across the moor, then down the valley
David Walsh said
Sat Jun 8 11:01 PM, 2019
BTO BBS Survey, late visit for SJ9899, Thursday 6th June 2019.
The most notable sighting was of a pair of Goldcrest in the valley bottom. The only other record of this species for this BBS square was of a single bird in the area of the Gamekeeper's Cottage on 25th May 2007. Other notables are the low numbers of Robin, Magpies, and Woodpigeon recorded on the day, but that is the nature of these snapshot surveys.
For anyone interested, the full list is as follows:
Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the fields above Brushes Road.
Pair of Tawny Owls hooting and calling from the Cock Wood area.
David Walsh said
Tue Jun 4 7:45 AM, 2019
Tuesday 4th June 2019, 6.30 - 7.20am.
Stalybridge Country Park.
7 Willow Warblers 5 Chiffchaff 7 Blackcap 1 Garden Warbler 5 singing Wren 10+ Robins, a couple carrying food 1 Swallow 1 Lesser Redpoll Plenty of Goldfinch and Chaffinch Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the fields opposite
David Walsh said
Sun Jun 2 10:16 PM, 2019
Sunday 2nd June 2019, 8.30pm.
A short dog walk around the field between the country park and Range House, and back along Brushes Road.
Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the juncus Reed Bunting singing Whitethroat singing 3 Meadow Pipits, one carrying food, another displaying 3 Mistle Thrush
David Walsh said
Sat Jun 1 11:28 PM, 2019
Saturday 1st June 2019, 7.30 - 11.00am.
Brushes Valley, and around Higher Swineshaw.
3 Whitethroat singing, 2 around Lower Swineshaw, one on Swineshaw Moor. Its seems a good year for this species Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the field off Brushes Road One pair of Stonechat Good views of a male Cuckoo, patrolling the fence posts between Harridge Woods and the moor 6 Linnet, including a pair together, the others singing males 1 Buzzard over Harridge 2 Lapwing flying over Harridge Moor, towards Turf Pits Curlew alarm calling, and flying up over Boar Flat and above Lower Swineshaw Willow Warblers carrying food at Higher Swineshaw 6 Reed Bunting, including a female carrying food into a nest at Higher Swineshaw 2 Swift over the moor
Of the 21 nest boxes we have arranged around the valley, grouped in threes, we have had 5 Great Tit broods, 4 of Blue Tit, and 2 of Nuthatch. Where Nuthatch have nested, none of the other boxes in that group have been used; not sure of the significance of this? Unfortunately, the only Flycatcher activity I have seen was a male Pied Flycatcher singing on one day only, several weeks ago.
Looks like I got to these Nuthatch just in time this afternoon, as they look ready to leave.
Most of the morning spent around Higher Swineshaw and Turf Pits, with a bit of woodland watching on the way up.
One of the highlights of the morning was the sight of a pair of very agitated Curlew with at least three juveniles on the moor 1 pair of Stonechat 4 singing Reed Bunting One very showy Whitethroat near Lower Swineshaw quarry, collecting nesting material and singing at the same time, and another on Brushes Road Pied Wagtail carrying food at Walkerwood 1 Kestrel 2 Buzzard 2 separate Lapwing, up at a Buzzard and a Raven respectively 4 Linnet 1 pair of Common Sandpiper at Higher Swineshaw Reservoir 2 singing Skylark 30+ Meadow Pipits, many carrying food Cuckoo singing on Harridge 2 Nuthatch carrying food into different nest sites, to add to the six youngsters in one of our boxes lower down the valley
Warblers are singing males, unless otherwise indicated.
8 Willow Warblers 5 Chiffchaff 3 Whitethroat, plus one next to Walkerwood overflow 8 Blackcap 2 Garden Warbler, plus another bird, presumed female, flitting around next to a singing male 2 singing Chaffinch 3 Goldfinch 1 Lesser Redpoll Mistle Thrush feeding young
Cuckoo singing on the Harridge side of Walkerwood Reservoir
David Walsh said
Sun May 19 10:36 PM, 2019
Sunday 19th May 2019, 8.30pm.
A wander up Brushes Road, as far as Walkerwood Dam.
1 Reed Bunting singing in the field above the road 1 male Whitethroat calling 1 Garden Warbler in the Country Park
David Walsh said
Thu May 9 10:34 PM, 2019
Thursday 9th May, 9.30pm.
Pair of Common Sandpiper calling at the eastern end of Brushes Reservoir
David Walsh said
Wed May 8 7:14 PM, 2019
Wednesday 8th May 2019, 7.00pm.
Oystercatcher at the eastern end of Walkerwood Reservoir. Pair of Common Sandpiper
Neil Blood said
Tue May 7 10:48 AM, 2019
Natural England have just issued a new general license (GL26), which covers Carrion Crows and Larsen Traps are allowed on it:
Real shame to see an intelligent corvid desperate to get out.
Nice rocky path from Higher Swineshaw so watch your ankles.
David Walsh said
Mon May 6 9:41 PM, 2019
Chris Harper wrote:
Larsson trap with Crow inside. Are these allowed?
I queried this cage, Chris, and apparently, because of its size, it is classed as an aviary. It was locked last week, to prevent any crows entering. The crow has been there for several weeks, and this area is seldom visited by the public (how did you find it.)
Chris Harper said
Mon May 6 9:06 PM, 2019
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and over top to Millbrook and via Pennine Bridleway back to Walkerwood 08.20-11.00
Similar to David. Cuckoo calling amidst gunshots above gamekeepers cottage, 2 Blackcap, 14 Willow Warbler with some carrying nesting material, 2 Chiffchaff, Common Whitethroat displaying, 5 Red Grouse, 1+ Curlew, Swallow, Stonechat, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Kestrel, Common Buzzard, 12 Meadow Pipit, 5 Lapwing.
Larsson trap with Crow inside. Are these allowed? Image attached
Cuckoo still there on return at 11.
-- Edited by Chris Harper on Monday 6th of May 2019 09:10:51 PM
From Walkerwood Dam, to Flaxfield, then a wander around the Rifle Ranges.
6 singing Whitethroat, my best count for a number of years, at Walkerwood, Range House, and Flaxfield 1 Garden Warbler 1 Reed Bunting singing by Brushes Road 3 newly fledged Grey Wagtails were with the male parent at Walkerwood Pair of Common Sandpiper at Walkerwood Cuckoo singing above the gamekeepers cottage, where its been all week
Over the last few days.
Many pairs of Long-tailed Tits carrying food into nest sites throughout the area Blackbirds, Song and Mistle Thrush doing likewise Two pairs of Stonechat, at Harridge Moor, and Higher Swineshaw Reservoir Several pairs of Linnet around Higher Swineshaw Grey Wagtail singing at Higher Swineshaw. It had me going for a minute; it isnt a species I hear singing often. 2 pairs of Common Sandpiper at Higher Swineshaw Reservoir Whitethroat singing at Lower Swineshaw 9 singing Blackcap in Brushes Valley, between Walkerwood and Lower Swineshaw Scout Hut
David Walsh said
Thu May 2 5:49 PM, 2019
Thursday 2nd May 2019, 8.30 - 11.30am.
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, then back across Harridge Moor, in poor conditions. Cold, windy, and wet.
5 Curlew up at a pair of Raven; 3 over Swineshaw Moor, and 2 over Lees Hill and Pack Saddle 2 Raven 3 Common Sandpiper on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir 21 singing Willow Warblers 3 singing Blackcap in Brushes SBI 3 singing Chiffchaff in the same area Pair of Nuthatch in and out of one of our boxes in Brushes Valley Cuckoo singing above the gamekeepers cottage Pair of Chaffinch seen mating 1 male Stonechat Plenty of Red Grouse Linnet singing at Lower Swineshaw Reservoir
David Walsh said
Wed May 1 7:53 AM, 2019
Wednesday 1st May 2019, 6.15 - 7.20am.
Stalybridge Country Park.
8 Blackcap. 6 singing males. One, with a female, was actually singing whilst carrying a beak full of nesting material. Also one skulking male alarm calling. 6 singing Chiffchaff 6 singing Willow Warblers 1 Nuthatch 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker Family party of Dunnock
1 Whitethroat singing at the southern end of Walkerwood Dam, for the third day running.
David Walsh said
Tue Apr 30 9:35 PM, 2019
Tuesday 30th April 2019, evening.
The highlight was a Hobby hawking insects over Harridge Moor.
David Walsh said
Mon Apr 29 9:29 PM, 2019
Monday 29th April 2019, evening.
My first Cuckoo of the year, singing in the woods on the Harridge side of the valley.
One pair of Stonechat, high up on Harridge Moor, the male doing a spot of singing.
David Walsh said
Wed Apr 24 7:47 AM, 2019
Wednesday 24th April 2019, 6.15 - 7.30am.
Stalybridge Country Park. Very windy.
All Warblers are singing males.
10 Willow Warblers 7 Chiffchaff 3 Blackcap 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming 1 singing Song Thrush
Tuesday evening.
Walkerwood Reservoir.
1 pair of Common Sandpiper 1 drake Mandarin
Brushes Reservoir.
1 pair of Common Sandpiper
David Walsh said
Mon Apr 22 1:39 PM, 2019
Monday 22nd April 2019.
A singing Whitethroat in the country park, my first of the year, heard on my way back down Brushes Road, was the highlight of a quiet morning, bird-wise.
David Walsh said
Sat Apr 20 11:22 PM, 2019
Saturday 20th April 2019, 6.30 - 10.30am.
From Walkerwood Dam, up past the Rifle Ranges, to Wild Bank Hill, Hobson Moor, and back.
2 Common Sandpiper on Walkerwood Reservoir 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the same area as last night 38 singing Willow Warblers 2 Chiffchaff singing 10 singing Wrens 11 singing Dunnock 4 Wheatear on Wild Bank 4 Lesser Redpoll (at least) 1 pair of Linnet 10+ Skylark 30+ Meadow Pipits 2 Curlew 1 Lapwing calling from the fields to the rear of Shaw Moor Farm
David Walsh said
Fri Apr 19 10:15 PM, 2019
Friday 19th April 2019, 7.00 - 10.45am.
From Walkerwood Dam, up Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw, then as far as Irontongue Hill.
5 Common Sandpiper: 1 on Walkerwood, 1 on Lower Swineshaw, and 3 on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir Two pairs of Tufted Duck on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir 1 pair of Pied Wagtail at Higher Swineshaw Reservoir, and at Walkerwood 1 Curlew on Boar Flat 1 male Wheatear picking through the dust of Swineshaw Moor 4 Reed Bunting around Higher Swineshaw 31 singing Willow Warblers 4 singing Blackcap 6 singing Chiffchaff 1 Treecreeper 2 Nuthatch 4 Lesser Redpoll around the scout hut 2 Swallows, one around the gamekeepers cottage, the other flying over Higher Swineshaw Reservoir 1 Buzzard over the valley 50+ Meadow Pipits around the top of the site
Evening visit, 7.30 - 9.00pm
2 Common Sandpiper on Walkerwood Reservoir 1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling from a regular area in the fields between Brushes Road and the rifle ranges
David Walsh said
Wed Apr 17 7:10 PM, 2019
Wednesday 17th April 2019, 6.30pm.
1 male Ring Ouzel in the same area as the three this morning, just below the Bridleway above Cote Farm
In the same fields:
3 Mistle Thrush 2 Song Thrush 6 Blackbirds
6+ Lesser Redpoll in the hedgerows
David Walsh said
Wed Apr 17 7:42 AM, 2019
Wednesday 17th April 2019, 6.45 - 7.30am.
Walkerwood Dam and Cote Farm.
1 Common Sandpiper back on Walkerwood Reservoir, on a fairly typical arrival date. Usually around the 16th. Suddenly feels like summer. 3 Ring Ouzel in the fields at Cote Farm. All flew off towards Wild Bank at 7.10.
David Walsh said
Wed Apr 10 7:52 AM, 2019
Wednesday 10th April 2019, 6.30 - 7.15am.
Stalybridge Country Park.
Similar to yesterday, but seems to have been an influx of Blackcaps.
4 Blackcap, 3 singing males, one with a female in tow 5 Chiffchaff 2 Song Thrush 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming Pair of Coal Tits Long-tailed Tits Several Lesser Redpoll Bullfinch feeding on tree buds Several noisy Jays
Male Grey Wagtail in Walkerwood overflow
David Walsh said
Tue Apr 9 7:54 AM, 2019
Tuesday 9th April 2019, 6.30 - 7.15am
Stalybridge Country Park, in a strong easterly wind.
5 singing Chiffchaff 1 singing Blackcap, my first of the year 2 Nuthatch calling, in separate areas
First Willow Warbler of the year for me yesterday, singing by Walkerwood Dam.
David Walsh said
Sat Apr 6 10:23 PM, 2019
Saturday 6th April 2019, 6.30 - 10.45am.
A complete circuit of Brushes Valley, starting and ending at Walkerwood Dam, taking in the rifle ranges, Wild Bank trig point, Hollingworthall Moor, Pack Saddle, Higher Swineshaw, then back down the valley to Walkerwood, in cold, windy conditions for the most part.
The most satisfying sightings were of two returning male Stonechat, at Lower Swineshaw Reservoir, and at Shaw Moor, the latter being a traditional territory which seemed to be abandoned last year.
20+ singing Skylark, mainly on Hollingworthall Moor and Wild Bank 2 male Reed Bunting at Wild Bank, one singing 1 Curlew flew over Wild Bank, and more heard from Hollingworthall Moor, in the direction of Middle Bank Several Lesser Redpoll around the birch growth on Wild Bank 7 singing Dunnock at Wild Bank Several Redwing making a racket at Flaxfield 6 Bullfinch at Flaxfield
Otherwise very quiet, not surprisingly, given the conditions.
A pair of Tawny Owls hooting and calling from the trees around the gamekeepers cottage at 8.45pm
-- Edited by David Walsh on Sunday 7th of April 2019 06:18:36 AM
David Walsh said
Wed Apr 3 6:23 PM, 2019
Wednesday 3rd April 2019, 6.45 - 8.30am.
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir, in cold, murky conditions.
1 Ring Ouzel, another (or maybe the same) male, in the same area as seen by Chris on Monday, in the trees around Lower Swineshaw scout hut. 1 Mistle Thrush, singing, becoming very agitated at the presence of the Ouzel. 2 Jays Chaffinch singing Lesser Redpoll over Chiffchaff singing at the scout hut Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming at Brushes Cottages
Chris Harper said
Mon Apr 1 9:17 PM, 2019
Ring Ouzel at 19.30 this evening by the dam wall at Lower Swineshaw reservoir. Also in the area were 6 Meadow Pipit, 2 Kestrel, 2 Red Legged Partridge, Curlew calling, Red Grouse, Tawny Owl, 2 Goosander over.
David Walsh said
Thu Mar 28 11:11 AM, 2019
Thursday 28th March 2019, 9.00 - 10.30am.
Harridge Moor.
A pair of Stonechat were the target birds for the morning, at a traditional territory, the male positively glowing in the morning sunshine. My first sighting here since November. 15+ Meadow Pipits, many displaying A couple of Skylark singing further up the moor 4 Wrens singing Female Sparrowhawk over
5 Chiffchaff singing along the northern side of Walkerwood Reservoir.
David Walsh said
Tue Mar 26 12:37 PM, 2019
Tuesday 26th March 2019, 9.15 - 11.30am.
A circular route, up Brushes Valley to Higher Swineshaw Dam, across Turf Pits to Carrbrook, then along the Bridleway back to Brushes Cottages.
Higher Swineshaw Reservoir.
9 Goosander (2 males), was my highest ever count here 1 Greylag Goose dropped noisily onto the reservoir, much to the chagrin of the resident Canadas.
Turf Pits, in a strong, cold wind.
2 female Wheatear moving around the bare peat and grouse butts 3 Lapwing visible today
Lower down the valley, Jays were much in evidence, with groups of up to ten birds moving noisily around, in what Bill Myerscough once described to me as spring gatherings. Anyone interested in this behaviour should read Bills excellent post from 6th April 2012, on the Alkrington Woods and Rhodes Lodge thread.
I am still struggling with apostrophes and quotation marks on the iPad, so apologies for any perceived grammatical errors. Everything is in order until I hit SUBMIT POST
-- Edited by David Walsh on Tuesday 26th of March 2019 05:44:19 PM
David Walsh said
Sat Mar 23 2:54 PM, 2019
Saturday 23rd March 2019, 6.30 - 10.00am.
Brushes Valley, then up onto the moor between Higher Swineshaw and Carrbrook. Most of the morning spent around Turf Pits.
Turf Pits.
1 Golden Plover 8 Lapwing, including two sitting 1 female Wheatear, around the Grouse butts. My first of the year. 4 Goosander on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir. One drake. 2 singing Reed Bunting 4 Skylark 1 Curlew 1 Buzzard 25+ Red Grouse 30+ Meadow Pipits
David Walsh said
Fri Mar 22 7:45 PM, 2019
Friday 22nd March 2019.
A Tawny Owl again active around Walkerwood Dam, around 7.00pm, in decent light.
David Walsh said
Thu Mar 21 10:08 PM, 2019
Thursday 21st March 2019, 8.30pm.
A Tawny Owl was feeding from a telegraph pole, on Toads making their way to Walkerwood Reservoir.
David Walsh said
Thu Mar 21 1:29 PM, 2019
Thursday 21st March 2019, 10.30am - 12.00pm
Stalybridge Country Park.
5 Chiffchaff singing, my first of the year. 20+ Lesser Redpoll, including a mobile flock of 15 birds 10+ Goldfinch 2 Chaffinch 2 singing Song Thrush 1 singing Mistle Thrush 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, one drumming. 2 Nuthatch on the feeders
Last night, at dusk, a pair of Goosander were on Walkerwood Reservoir
Chris Harper said
Sun Mar 10 4:53 PM, 2019
Inbetween hail and gale in the lower woodland below Walkerwood Reservoir were 2 Lesser Redpoll and a Sparrowhawk between 1 and 2 pm.
David Walsh said
Sat Mar 9 8:36 PM, 2019
Saturday 9th March 2019, 7.00 - 9.30am.
From Walkerwood Dam, up Brushes Valley, to the far end of Higher Swineshaw Reservoir. Rain turned into driving sleet around Higher Swineshaw, necessitating an earlier than planned descent.
Around Higher Swineshaw.
1 Curlew flying around the reservoir, struggling through the wind and rain 1 Peregrine over Harridge Moor 1 Grey Heron over north 1 pair of Pied Wagtails
Walkerwood Reservoir.
1 pair of Goosander 1 pair of Grey Wagtails in the overflow 1 pair of Pied Wagtails along the dam
Brushes Valley, 5.45 - 7.15pm.
1 pair of Tawny Owls in the woods in the valley bottom, between Brushes and Lower Swineshaw Reservoirs 2 Woodcock over
David Walsh said
Sun Mar 3 8:33 PM, 2019
Sunday 3rd March 2019, 9.00 - 11.00am.
In two hours of constant rain, from Walkerwood Dam to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir, the only thing of any note whatsoever was a drake Mandarin swimming with several Mallard on Walkerwood Reservoir.
David Walsh said
Fri Mar 1 2:52 PM, 2019
Friday 1st March 2019, 9.30 - 11.30am.
Brushes Rifle Ranges and Wild Bank.
Main point of interest was 9 Lesser Redpoll flying around the areas of birch growth.
No sign of any Stonechat this morning, despite an hour and a half mooching around a large area of the moor above Walkerwood. Other than Red Grouse, a single Meadow Pipit, a Robin, and a couple of singing Dunnock were the only birds on the moor.
Other sightings:
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming in the country park Nuthatch calling, and one on the feeders Female Grey Wagtail in Walkerwood overflow
-- Edited by David Walsh on Friday 1st of March 2019 02:53:54 PM
David Walsh said
Wed Feb 27 7:45 PM, 2019
Wednesday 26th February 2019, 6.30 - 8.30am.
Brushes Valley, as far as Higher Swineshaw Reservoir.
Higher Swineshaw
The highlight was my first Curlew of the year, calling briefly above Higher Swineshaw Reservoir. 3 Reed Bunting, one singing 10 Red Grouse Pair of Pied Wagtails 7 Song Thrush singing, the length of the valley 3 Mistle Thrush singing
Pair of Goosander on Walkerwood Reservoir
David Walsh said
Mon Feb 25 9:23 PM, 2019
Monday 25th February 2019, 9.00 - 11.00am.
From Walkerwood Dam, past the rifle ranges, and concentrating on Flaxfield this morning.
Flaxfield
3 Song Thrush, singing 3 Mistle Thrush, one singing 5 Redwing 4 Chaffinch, 2 singing 6 Bullfinch 1 Lesser Redpoll 2 Red-legged Partridge 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming
A Stonechat was again in the same area of Moor, overlooking Walkerwood Reservoir, this time the male. Ive yet to see both male and female together
David Walsh said
Sun Feb 24 10:00 PM, 2019
Sunday 24th February 2018, 7.00 - 10.00am
From Range House, through Flaxfield, up onto Hobson Moor, over the trig point, then dropping back down towards Walkerwood Reservoir.
8 Skylark, 7 singing 6 singing Dunnock 3 Meadow Pipits 5 Red Grouse 2 Mistle Thrush 2 Coal Tits 1 female Stonechat, in the same area, overlooking Walkerwood Reservoir, as the male I had last week. No sign of a male today, despite a good half hour lingering.
David Walsh said
Fri Feb 22 7:52 AM, 2019
Friday 22nd February 2019, 6.30 - 7.30am.
A quick circuit of the Country Park, excluding the wet valley bottom.
6 singing Song Thrush, making at least 17 singing males, between the houses at Brushes Road, and the locked gate below the gamekeepers cottage, counted this week 2 Mistle Thrush also singing
1 female Grey Wagtail in Walkerwood overflow 2 Jays battling for dominance of the feeders with a grey squirrel
David Walsh said
Wed Feb 20 7:51 AM, 2019
Wednesday 20th February 2019, 6.30 - 7.30am.
Around Walkerwood.
At least 11 Song Thrush singing, all around Walkerwood Reservoir, provided a pleasant soundtrack to the light rain this morning.
1 Grey Wagtail picking along the Dam was my first sighting for some time.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Wednesday 20th of February 2019 07:52:48 AM
David Walsh said
Tue Feb 19 7:51 AM, 2019
Tuesday 19th February 2019, 6.30 - 7.30am.
A redhead Goosander roosted on Walkerwood Reservoir, flying off at first light Kestrel hunting low down on Harridge, flew off towards the rifle ranges
Last night at 8.00pm, a pair of Tawny Owls were calling from the woods below Walkerwood Dam.
Female Goosander on Walkerwood Reservoir
2 Oystercatcher flew down Brushes Valley, over Walkerwood Reservoir, calling. One continued west, but the other turned and flew back up the valley.
One Cormorant was on Walkerwood Reservoir at 7.00am.
Pair of Grey Wagtails taking food into a nest.
Brushes Rifle Ranges and Wild Bank Hill.
19 Willow Warblers, several feeding youngsters
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the boggy area behind Range House
1 Chiffchaff singing
1 female Reed Bunting
20+ Meadow Pipits
6+ Lesser Redpoll
2 pairs of Linnet on Wild Bank, both visiting nest sites, with one female seen removing a faecal sac
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir.
9 Mistle Thrush feeding on Higher Swineshaw dam banking
Pair of Stonechat carrying food
Willow Warbler fledging begging food from an adult at Lower Swineshaw scout hut. Many other adults seen carrying food
Male Cuckoo singing on Swineshaw Moor, then seen flying back across the moor, then down the valley
The most notable sighting was of a pair of Goldcrest in the valley bottom. The only other record of this species for this BBS square was of a single bird in the area of the Gamekeeper's Cottage on 25th May 2007. Other notables are the low numbers of Robin, Magpies, and Woodpigeon recorded on the day, but that is the nature of these snapshot surveys.
For anyone interested, the full list is as follows:
7 Canada Geese
8 Mallard
1 Pheasant
3 Lapwing
10 Black-headed Gulls
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
1 Stock Dove
19 Woodpigeon
5 Collared Dove
12 Swallows
5 House Martins
7 Meadow Pipits
8 Wrens
8 Dunnock
3 Robins
11 Blackbirds
7 Song Thrush
3 Mistle Thrush
3 Whitethroat
4 Blackcap
2 Chiffchaff
11 Willow Warblers
2 Goldcrest
11 Blue Tits
15 Great Tits
3 Magpies
54 Jackdaws
3 Carrion Crows
18 Starlings
53 House Sparrows
10 Chaffinch
7 Greenfinch
25 Goldfinch
3 Linnet
2 Lesser Redpoll
Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the fields above Brushes Road.
Pair of Tawny Owls hooting and calling from the Cock Wood area.
Stalybridge Country Park.
7 Willow Warblers
5 Chiffchaff
7 Blackcap
1 Garden Warbler
5 singing Wren
10+ Robins, a couple carrying food
1 Swallow
1 Lesser Redpoll
Plenty of Goldfinch and Chaffinch
Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the fields opposite
A short dog walk around the field between the country park and Range House, and back along Brushes Road.
Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the juncus
Reed Bunting singing
Whitethroat singing
3 Meadow Pipits, one carrying food, another displaying
3 Mistle Thrush
Brushes Valley, and around Higher Swineshaw.
3 Whitethroat singing, 2 around Lower Swineshaw, one on Swineshaw Moor. Its seems a good year for this species
Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the field off Brushes Road
One pair of Stonechat
Good views of a male Cuckoo, patrolling the fence posts between Harridge Woods and the moor
6 Linnet, including a pair together, the others singing males
1 Buzzard over Harridge
2 Lapwing flying over Harridge Moor, towards Turf Pits
Curlew alarm calling, and flying up over Boar Flat and above Lower Swineshaw
Willow Warblers carrying food at Higher Swineshaw
6 Reed Bunting, including a female carrying food into a nest at Higher Swineshaw
2 Swift over the moor
Of the 21 nest boxes we have arranged around the valley, grouped in threes, we have had 5 Great Tit broods, 4 of Blue Tit, and 2 of Nuthatch. Where Nuthatch have nested, none of the other boxes in that group have been used; not sure of the significance of this? Unfortunately, the only Flycatcher activity I have seen was a male Pied Flycatcher singing on one day only, several weeks ago.
Looks like I got to these Nuthatch just in time this afternoon, as they look ready to leave.
Most of the morning spent around Higher Swineshaw and Turf Pits, with a bit of woodland watching on the way up.
One of the highlights of the morning was the sight of a pair of very agitated Curlew with at least three juveniles on the moor
1 pair of Stonechat
4 singing Reed Bunting
One very showy Whitethroat near Lower Swineshaw quarry, collecting nesting material and singing at the same time, and another on Brushes Road
Pied Wagtail carrying food at Walkerwood
1 Kestrel
2 Buzzard
2 separate Lapwing, up at a Buzzard and a Raven respectively
4 Linnet
1 pair of Common Sandpiper at Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
2 singing Skylark
30+ Meadow Pipits, many carrying food
Cuckoo singing on Harridge
2 Nuthatch carrying food into different nest sites, to add to the six youngsters in one of our boxes lower down the valley
Stalybridge Country Park.
Warblers are singing males, unless otherwise indicated.
8 Willow Warblers
5 Chiffchaff
3 Whitethroat, plus one next to Walkerwood overflow
8 Blackcap
2 Garden Warbler, plus another bird, presumed female, flitting around next to a singing male
2 singing Chaffinch
3 Goldfinch
1 Lesser Redpoll
Mistle Thrush feeding young
Cuckoo singing on the Harridge side of Walkerwood Reservoir
A wander up Brushes Road, as far as Walkerwood Dam.
1 Reed Bunting singing in the field above the road
1 male Whitethroat calling
1 Garden Warbler in the Country Park
Pair of Common Sandpiper calling at the eastern end of Brushes Reservoir
Oystercatcher at the eastern end of Walkerwood Reservoir.
Pair of Common Sandpiper
Natural England have just issued a new general license (GL26), which covers Carrion Crows and Larsen Traps are allowed on it:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carrion-crows-licence-to-kill-or-take-them-gl26
Real shame to see an intelligent corvid desperate to get out.
Nice rocky path from Higher Swineshaw so watch your ankles.
I queried this cage, Chris, and apparently, because of its size, it is classed as an aviary. It was locked last week, to prevent any crows entering. The crow has been there for several weeks, and this area is seldom visited by the public (how did you find it.)
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw and over top to Millbrook and via Pennine Bridleway back to Walkerwood 08.20-11.00
Similar to David. Cuckoo calling amidst gunshots above gamekeepers cottage, 2 Blackcap, 14 Willow Warbler with some carrying nesting material, 2 Chiffchaff, Common Whitethroat displaying, 5 Red Grouse, 1+ Curlew, Swallow, Stonechat, 2 Common Sandpiper, 2 Kestrel, Common Buzzard, 12 Meadow Pipit, 5 Lapwing.
Larsson trap with Crow inside. Are these allowed? Image attached
Cuckoo still there on return at 11.
-- Edited by Chris Harper on Monday 6th of May 2019 09:10:51 PM
From Walkerwood Dam, to Flaxfield, then a wander around the Rifle Ranges.
6 singing Whitethroat, my best count for a number of years, at Walkerwood, Range House, and Flaxfield
1 Garden Warbler
1 Reed Bunting singing by Brushes Road
3 newly fledged Grey Wagtails were with the male parent at Walkerwood
Pair of Common Sandpiper at Walkerwood
Cuckoo singing above the gamekeepers cottage, where its been all week
Over the last few days.
Many pairs of Long-tailed Tits carrying food into nest sites throughout the area
Blackbirds, Song and Mistle Thrush doing likewise
Two pairs of Stonechat, at Harridge Moor, and Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
Several pairs of Linnet around Higher Swineshaw
Grey Wagtail singing at Higher Swineshaw. It had me going for a minute; it isnt a species I hear singing often.
2 pairs of Common Sandpiper at Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
Whitethroat singing at Lower Swineshaw
9 singing Blackcap in Brushes Valley, between Walkerwood and Lower Swineshaw Scout Hut
Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, then back across Harridge Moor, in poor conditions. Cold, windy, and wet.
5 Curlew up at a pair of Raven; 3 over Swineshaw Moor, and 2 over Lees Hill and Pack Saddle
2 Raven
3 Common Sandpiper on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
21 singing Willow Warblers
3 singing Blackcap in Brushes SBI
3 singing Chiffchaff in the same area
Pair of Nuthatch in and out of one of our boxes in Brushes Valley
Cuckoo singing above the gamekeepers cottage
Pair of Chaffinch seen mating
1 male Stonechat
Plenty of Red Grouse
Linnet singing at Lower Swineshaw Reservoir
Stalybridge Country Park.
8 Blackcap. 6 singing males. One, with a female, was actually singing whilst carrying a beak full of nesting material. Also one skulking male alarm calling.
6 singing Chiffchaff
6 singing Willow Warblers
1 Nuthatch
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
Family party of Dunnock
1 Whitethroat singing at the southern end of Walkerwood Dam, for the third day running.
The highlight was a Hobby hawking insects over Harridge Moor.
My first Cuckoo of the year, singing in the woods on the Harridge side of the valley.
One pair of Stonechat, high up on Harridge Moor, the male doing a spot of singing.
Stalybridge Country Park. Very windy.
All Warblers are singing males.
10 Willow Warblers
7 Chiffchaff
3 Blackcap
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming
1 singing Song Thrush
Tuesday evening.
Walkerwood Reservoir.
1 pair of Common Sandpiper
1 drake Mandarin
Brushes Reservoir.
1 pair of Common Sandpiper
Monday 22nd April 2019.
A singing Whitethroat in the country park, my first of the year, heard on my way back down Brushes Road, was the highlight of a quiet morning, bird-wise.
From Walkerwood Dam, up past the Rifle Ranges, to Wild Bank Hill, Hobson Moor, and back.
2 Common Sandpiper on Walkerwood Reservoir
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling in the same area as last night
38 singing Willow Warblers
2 Chiffchaff singing
10 singing Wrens
11 singing Dunnock
4 Wheatear on Wild Bank
4 Lesser Redpoll (at least)
1 pair of Linnet
10+ Skylark
30+ Meadow Pipits
2 Curlew
1 Lapwing calling from the fields to the rear of Shaw Moor Farm
From Walkerwood Dam, up Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw, then as far as Irontongue Hill.
5 Common Sandpiper: 1 on Walkerwood, 1 on Lower Swineshaw, and 3 on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
Two pairs of Tufted Duck on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
1 pair of Pied Wagtail at Higher Swineshaw Reservoir, and at Walkerwood
1 Curlew on Boar Flat
1 male Wheatear picking through the dust of Swineshaw Moor
4 Reed Bunting around Higher Swineshaw
31 singing Willow Warblers
4 singing Blackcap
6 singing Chiffchaff
1 Treecreeper
2 Nuthatch
4 Lesser Redpoll around the scout hut
2 Swallows, one around the gamekeepers cottage, the other flying over Higher Swineshaw Reservoir
1 Buzzard over the valley
50+ Meadow Pipits around the top of the site
Evening visit, 7.30 - 9.00pm
2 Common Sandpiper on Walkerwood Reservoir
1 Grasshopper Warbler reeling from a regular area in the fields between Brushes Road and the rifle ranges
1 male Ring Ouzel in the same area as the three this morning, just below the Bridleway above Cote Farm
In the same fields:
3 Mistle Thrush
2 Song Thrush
6 Blackbirds
6+ Lesser Redpoll in the hedgerows
Walkerwood Dam and Cote Farm.
1 Common Sandpiper back on Walkerwood Reservoir, on a fairly typical arrival date. Usually around the 16th. Suddenly feels like summer.
3 Ring Ouzel in the fields at Cote Farm. All flew off towards Wild Bank at 7.10.
Stalybridge Country Park.
Similar to yesterday, but seems to have been an influx of Blackcaps.
4 Blackcap, 3 singing males, one with a female in tow
5 Chiffchaff
2 Song Thrush
2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers drumming
Pair of Coal Tits
Long-tailed Tits
Several Lesser Redpoll
Bullfinch feeding on tree buds
Several noisy Jays
Male Grey Wagtail in Walkerwood overflow
Stalybridge Country Park, in a strong easterly wind.
5 singing Chiffchaff
1 singing Blackcap, my first of the year
2 Nuthatch calling, in separate areas
First Willow Warbler of the year for me yesterday, singing by Walkerwood Dam.
A complete circuit of Brushes Valley, starting and ending at Walkerwood Dam, taking in the rifle ranges, Wild Bank trig point, Hollingworthall Moor, Pack Saddle, Higher Swineshaw, then back down the valley to Walkerwood, in cold, windy conditions for the most part.
The most satisfying sightings were of two returning male Stonechat, at Lower Swineshaw Reservoir, and at Shaw Moor, the latter being a traditional territory which seemed to be abandoned last year.
20+ singing Skylark, mainly on Hollingworthall Moor and Wild Bank
2 male Reed Bunting at Wild Bank, one singing
1 Curlew flew over Wild Bank, and more heard from Hollingworthall Moor, in the direction of Middle Bank
Several Lesser Redpoll around the birch growth on Wild Bank
7 singing Dunnock at Wild Bank
Several Redwing making a racket at Flaxfield
6 Bullfinch at Flaxfield
Otherwise very quiet, not surprisingly, given the conditions.
A pair of Tawny Owls hooting and calling from the trees around the gamekeepers cottage at 8.45pm
-- Edited by David Walsh on Sunday 7th of April 2019 06:18:36 AM
Brushes Valley, to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir, in cold, murky conditions.
1 Ring Ouzel, another (or maybe the same) male, in the same area as seen by Chris on Monday, in the trees around Lower Swineshaw scout hut.
1 Mistle Thrush, singing, becoming very agitated at the presence of the Ouzel.
2 Jays
Chaffinch singing
Lesser Redpoll over
Chiffchaff singing at the scout hut
Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming at Brushes Cottages
Ring Ouzel at 19.30 this evening by the dam wall at Lower Swineshaw reservoir. Also in the area were 6 Meadow Pipit, 2 Kestrel, 2 Red Legged Partridge, Curlew calling, Red Grouse, Tawny Owl, 2 Goosander over.
Harridge Moor.
A pair of Stonechat were the target birds for the morning, at a traditional territory, the male positively glowing in the morning sunshine. My first sighting here since November.
15+ Meadow Pipits, many displaying
A couple of Skylark singing further up the moor
4 Wrens singing
Female Sparrowhawk over
5 Chiffchaff singing along the northern side of Walkerwood Reservoir.
A circular route, up Brushes Valley to Higher Swineshaw Dam, across Turf Pits to Carrbrook, then along the Bridleway back to Brushes Cottages.
Higher Swineshaw Reservoir.
9 Goosander (2 males), was my highest ever count here
1 Greylag Goose dropped noisily onto the reservoir, much to the chagrin of the resident Canadas.
Turf Pits, in a strong, cold wind.
2 female Wheatear moving around the bare peat and grouse butts
3 Lapwing visible today
Lower down the valley, Jays were much in evidence, with groups of up to ten birds moving noisily around, in what Bill Myerscough once described to me as spring gatherings.
Anyone interested in this behaviour should read Bills excellent post from 6th April 2012, on the Alkrington Woods and Rhodes Lodge thread. I am still struggling with apostrophes and quotation marks on the iPad, so apologies for any perceived grammatical errors. Everything is in order until I hit SUBMIT POST
-- Edited by David Walsh on Tuesday 26th of March 2019 05:44:19 PM
Brushes Valley, then up onto the moor between Higher Swineshaw and Carrbrook. Most of the morning spent around Turf Pits.
Turf Pits.
1 Golden Plover
8 Lapwing, including two sitting
1 female Wheatear, around the Grouse butts. My first of the year.
4 Goosander on Higher Swineshaw Reservoir. One drake.
2 singing Reed Bunting
4 Skylark
1 Curlew
1 Buzzard
25+ Red Grouse
30+ Meadow Pipits
Friday 22nd March 2019.
A Tawny Owl again active around Walkerwood Dam, around 7.00pm, in decent light.
A Tawny Owl was feeding from a telegraph pole, on Toads making their way to Walkerwood Reservoir.
Stalybridge Country Park.
5 Chiffchaff singing, my first of the year.
20+ Lesser Redpoll, including a mobile flock of 15 birds
10+ Goldfinch
2 Chaffinch
2 singing Song Thrush
1 singing Mistle Thrush
2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, one drumming.
2 Nuthatch on the feeders
Last night, at dusk, a pair of Goosander were on Walkerwood Reservoir
Inbetween hail and gale in the lower woodland below Walkerwood Reservoir were 2 Lesser Redpoll and a Sparrowhawk between 1 and 2 pm.
From Walkerwood Dam, up Brushes Valley, to the far end of Higher Swineshaw Reservoir. Rain turned into driving sleet around Higher Swineshaw, necessitating an earlier than planned descent.
Around Higher Swineshaw.
1 Curlew flying around the reservoir, struggling through the wind and rain
1 Peregrine over Harridge Moor
1 Grey Heron over north
1 pair of Pied Wagtails
Walkerwood Reservoir.
1 pair of Goosander
1 pair of Grey Wagtails in the overflow
1 pair of Pied Wagtails along the dam
Brushes Valley, 5.45 - 7.15pm.
1 pair of Tawny Owls in the woods in the valley bottom, between Brushes and Lower Swineshaw Reservoirs
2 Woodcock over
In two hours of constant rain, from Walkerwood Dam to Higher Swineshaw Reservoir, the only thing of any note whatsoever was a drake Mandarin swimming with several Mallard on Walkerwood Reservoir.
Brushes Rifle Ranges and Wild Bank.
Main point of interest was 9 Lesser Redpoll flying around the areas of birch growth.
No sign of any Stonechat this morning, despite an hour and a half mooching around a large area of the moor above Walkerwood. Other than Red Grouse, a single Meadow Pipit, a Robin, and a couple of singing Dunnock were the only birds on the moor.
Other sightings:
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming in the country park
Nuthatch calling, and one on the feeders
Female Grey Wagtail in Walkerwood overflow
-- Edited by David Walsh on Friday 1st of March 2019 02:53:54 PM
Brushes Valley, as far as Higher Swineshaw Reservoir.
Higher Swineshaw
The highlight was my first Curlew of the year, calling briefly above Higher Swineshaw Reservoir.
3 Reed Bunting, one singing
10 Red Grouse
Pair of Pied Wagtails
7 Song Thrush singing, the length of the valley
3 Mistle Thrush singing
Pair of Goosander on Walkerwood Reservoir
From Walkerwood Dam, past the rifle ranges, and concentrating on Flaxfield this morning.
Flaxfield
3 Song Thrush, singing
3 Mistle Thrush, one singing
5 Redwing
4 Chaffinch, 2 singing
6 Bullfinch
1 Lesser Redpoll
2 Red-legged Partridge
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming
A Stonechat was again in the same area of Moor, overlooking Walkerwood Reservoir, this time the male. Ive yet to see both male and female together
From Range House, through Flaxfield, up onto Hobson Moor, over the trig point, then dropping back down towards Walkerwood Reservoir.
Flaxfield.
4 Mistle Thrush, 2 singing
4 Song Thrush, 2 singing
1 Skylark calling
1 Dunnock singing
6 Chaffinch, 3 singing
1 Bullfinch
1 Pied Wagtail
10 Pheasant
Wild Bank.
8 Skylark, 7 singing
6 singing Dunnock
3 Meadow Pipits
5 Red Grouse
2 Mistle Thrush
2 Coal Tits
1 female Stonechat, in the same area, overlooking Walkerwood Reservoir, as the male I had last week. No sign of a male today, despite a good half hour lingering.
A quick circuit of the Country Park, excluding the wet valley bottom.
6 singing Song Thrush, making at least 17 singing males, between the houses at Brushes Road, and the locked gate below the gamekeepers cottage, counted this week
2 Mistle Thrush also singing
1 female Grey Wagtail in Walkerwood overflow
2 Jays battling for dominance of the feeders with a grey squirrel
Around Walkerwood.
At least 11 Song Thrush singing, all around Walkerwood Reservoir, provided a pleasant soundtrack to the light rain this morning.
1 Grey Wagtail picking along the Dam was my first sighting for some time.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Wednesday 20th of February 2019 07:52:48 AM
A redhead Goosander roosted on Walkerwood Reservoir, flying off at first light
Kestrel hunting low down on Harridge, flew off towards the rifle ranges
Last night at 8.00pm, a pair of Tawny Owls were calling from the woods below Walkerwood Dam.