A Dunham first for me this morning, three Goosander (2 male, 1 female) on the now very flooded meadow between the mill and Bollington flats.
James Walsh said
Sat Dec 13 9:10 PM, 2014
December 11th
Peregrine between Bollington Mill & Dunham Park 1 Goosander & 1 Tufted Duck @Hall Lake
Lawrence Hindley said
Sat Dec 6 11:36 PM, 2014
I took a bird walk in the park this morning 11.00am to 1.00pm.
The highlights were: 1 Common Buzzard 2 Grey Heron Many Nuthatch very vocal throughout the park 5+ Long Tailed Tit 1 Coal Tit 3 Goldcrest 1 Treecreeper 1 Green Woodpecker, a female feeding on ground next to deer barn for a good 15 minutes. 1 Mistle Thrush 1 Song Thrush 1 Greenfinch
20 people attended the walk, which was just right.
steven burke said
Sun Nov 23 8:12 PM, 2014
12 til dark, 39 species seen.
golf course & forest...
2 great spotted woodpecker 7 nuthatch 9 goldcrest 2 treecreeper 2 mistle thrush expected to see lots of redwing around, only managed to see 5 over
deer park...
2 green woodpecker 4 great spotted woodpecker 9 nuthatch 5 treecreeper 3 goldcrest 2 jay 3 buzzard again only 6 redwing seen in here.
island pool.. 7 tufted duck, 1 teal.
smithy pool... 4 tufted duck, 1 juvenile mute swan, being ringed by steve Christmas (nice to meet you) & jammie dunning.
flock of 63 mostly greenfinch with few chaffinch. 36 lapwing, over at 5.05pm 2 skiens of pink footed geese went over east, they went over my head so managed to still see them in the dark a rough guess at 200-300. tawny owl & little owl heard only. plus all usuals around.
Lawrence Hindley said
Sun Nov 9 6:04 AM, 2014
I had a nice afternoon in the park yesterday. Here are some highlights.
100+ flock of Fieldfare flew over the hall 200+ Black Headed Gull on flooded field by Bollin 5 Grey heron 2 Stock Dove 1 Treecreeper 2 kestrel both giving alarm calls 2 Little Grebe
Mike Duckham said
Fri Oct 31 7:31 PM, 2014
One Green Sandpiper in the ditch in the field over the wall viewed from near the water mill in the park.
A Green Woodpecker was just north of the island pool.
Cheers.
sid ashton said
Sun Oct 19 9:26 PM, 2014
Rob Creek wrote:
Post edited to Woodhouse Lane NOT SCHOOL LANE!
Yes Rick as I said in my PM if you park at the bottom end of School Lane you are likely to get a ticket as the parking wardens are active around there
Woodhouse Lane opposite the cottages is fine.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Monday 20th of October 2014 08:58:52 AM
Rob Creek said
Sun Oct 19 9:13 PM, 2014
Post edited to Woodhouse Lane NOT SCHOOL LANE!
Rob Creek said
Sun Oct 19 6:50 PM, 2014
I called in on Friday afternoon on way back from Blithfield Res, Staffordshire. I parked on Woodhouse Lane just off Charcoal Road (usually a few spaces around there) and used the very stile that is mentioned virtually right opposite where I parked.
Very little in the way of bird sightings, was hoping for a Green Woodpecker but none seen. -1 Buzzard over -1 Sparrowhawk -1 Nuthatch -1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (heard only at close quarters but couldn't see it) -Flock of Redwings heard in the tree tops on Main Drive, but I could see that they were moving through the trees so unable to give a number, sounded loud and there tends to be quite a large number in Dunham, was last year anyway. -Jackdaws everywhere -usuals on Smithy Pool ... Mallard, Coot, Black-headed Gull
Without doubt the star attraction was the Fallow Deer herd, and just recently Mammals have provided some good sightings on recent trips out. After climbing over the stile immediately there were 2 fairly large darkish Buck's partially hidden sat in the vegetation against the perimeter brick wall. They were keeping out of the way of the 2 even larger pale phase Buck's that were bellowing to each other and chasing Doe's. These 2 really are thick set Buck's and 1 of them provided a bit of a rush when he charged a Doe to right near where I was standing, I don't know if she ran over to me for a bit of protection but there would've been very little I could've done against that hormonal brut!
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Sunday 19th of October 2014 09:12:01 PM
sid ashton said
Sun Oct 19 4:24 PM, 2014
Craig - as a National Trust member and a frequent visitor to the park, when birding I tend to get there before the park is open at 09.00 and usually park on Woodhouse Rd. This is off the B5160, Smithy Lane which is the continuation of Charcoal Road. Then go over the stile into the park as mentioned by Ivan. I find that getting there before the place gets busy also helps, less disturbance. There is a fee of £6.00 for non NT members to use the car park.
You can also park in the area near the Swan with Two Nicks pub Little Bollington at the end of Park Lane, off the A56 Lymm Road. From here cross the bridge over the Bollin and then across the meadow footpath into the park. You can walk along the river bank here as well.
If you do go by bike Tim is absolutely correct you will not be allowed to ride in the park, cycling in the park is only for the up to 5 year olds I assume for the safety of other park users.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Sunday 19th of October 2014 04:32:17 PM
Craig Higson said
Sun Oct 19 3:56 PM, 2014
Thanks for the info guys.
Ivan Ellison said
Sun Oct 19 5:25 AM, 2014
Craig, you can walk in over a couple of stiles off Charcoal lane, parking is a bit of a problem. If you are going regular it is good value to join the NT, or if you do want to walk in for free make a small donation at the hall now and again. They provide a nice place to walk and take pics of birds and deer.
Tim Wilcox said
Sat Oct 18 11:54 PM, 2014
Craig Higson wrote:
Daft questio - I always thought Dunham was a pay to enter place i.e. everywhere not just the house and formal gardens. Is that not the case? Was thinking of a visit so any info would be really useful.
Only entry to the Hall is charged. And the car park of course but you can park off Coal Lane if you're early enough and walk there. You can cycle there too but beware the fascist NT wardens who have failed to notice that British Cycling and the NT have combined to 'promote' cycling (with a photo of a bike outside the hall natch!). I was practically arrested by their goons for cycling there at the dizzying speed of 3mph
Simon Gough said
Sat Oct 18 11:35 PM, 2014
You can certainly walk onto the deer park, or you could the last time I went. I arrived one morning before the reception opened and a side gate was open. Best time to catch the Green Woodpeckers too I think, before the majority of visitors arrive.
Craig Higson said
Sat Oct 18 11:11 PM, 2014
Daft questio - I always thought Dunham was a pay to enter place i.e. everywhere not just the house and formal gardens. Is that not the case? Was thinking of a visit so any info would be really useful.
MJKeating said
Sun Oct 5 7:42 PM, 2014
11am - 1pm
2 Green Woodpecker - Ace views flying in front of me across the main path! 3 Buzzard 2 Pied Wagtail
Plus loads of water birds!
sid ashton said
Mon Sep 8 9:06 PM, 2014
Early evening, watched House Martins taking food to very noisey young in nest on Bollington Mill flats. Grey Wagtail landed on the roof just above the nest
-- Edited by sid ashton on Monday 8th of September 2014 09:12:59 PM
sid ashton said
Mon Aug 18 6:16 PM, 2014
Late afternoon, approximately 20 Sand Martins feeding over Smithy Pool and the female Mandarin still on the Moat.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Monday 18th of August 2014 06:36:03 PM
Lawrence Hindley said
Sun Aug 17 6:16 AM, 2014
Dunham Massey park 10.00am - 2.00pm yesterday. A quiet day but some birds worth reporting
1 f Mandarin Duck on the moat
Bollington Gate
3 grey Heron 1 Stock Dove
Jon Beckett said
Mon Jul 28 11:08 PM, 2014
9pm Kingfisher on smithy pool, 8 catches within five minutes. Great viewing.
Ian McKerchar said
Fri Jul 25 3:54 PM, 2014
Originally posted today by Kristian Wade:
Visit from 10:30am - 13:00pm
2 adult and 6 juvenile swans on smithy's pool.
5 Little Grebes on Island Pool with coots and moorhens.
6 Grey Herons on brook flowing out of park.
Green woodpecker heard but not seen.
Steve Judge said
Sun Jul 20 4:46 PM, 2014
Sunday, 20th July 2014 12:00 - 15:00 hrs.
House Martin Swallows Swift Mistle Thrush Mute Swans and 6 cygnets Nuthatch Treecreeper Wren Blue Tit Magpie Carrion Crows Heron x 3 Canada Geese Goldfinch House Sparrow Pied Wagtail Mallard Coots
Along Bridgewater Canal (between Dunham village and turn off for Swan with Two Nicks pub): Banded Demoiselle (Male) - lifer for me Large Red Damselfly Common Blue Damselfly
Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper butterflies
Chris Chandler said
Fri Jul 18 2:05 AM, 2014
A nice evening wander after work, 7.30-9.30pm
2 Green Woodpecker (1 adult, 1 juv) in trees to the left of the hall, where the stile crosses the wall. 1 Stock Dove & 2 Woodpigeon on the banks of the Bollin, just over the wall. 7-8 Mistle Thrush among the deer, just in front of the hall. 1 Grey Heron on the edge of Island Pool.
Also nearby: 2 Yellowhammer perched up on wires, just off Oldfield Lane.
sid ashton said
Thu Jul 10 11:42 AM, 2014
Yesterday evening during a short family stroll, dozens of Martins (Sand and House), Swallows and Swifts feeding over Smithy pool. Amazing to just sit and watch the aerobatic display.
This morning as well as the young Swans, Coots and Mallards on Smithy pool other species with young were seen:- Moorhen, Treecreeper, Buzzard and a very noisey Green Woodpecker that only shut up when one of the parents fed it
Damian Pendlebury said
Tue Jul 1 10:53 PM, 2014
Thank you very much Lawrence - I saw two of them there today. These were my first UK Green Woodpecker so I'm chuffed. We sat for a while on the bench near to the deer barn and after a while, I saw a head pop up exactly like you said! I've put a photo on the St Helens Birds and Wildlife blog in the out of area tab (big crop).
Green Woodpecker 2 (1m, 1juv)
Damian
Lawrence Hindley said
Mon Jun 30 10:33 PM, 2014
Try the open ground next to the deer barn. They should be feeding in amongst the ant hills (the hills look like small mounds of grass). Scan the field and you may see their heads pop up. They seem to be there most of the day as I saw them there at 3.00pm on Saturday.
Best of Luck
Lawrence
Damian Pendlebury said
Mon Jun 30 10:11 PM, 2014
I've been to Dunham Massey lots of times and never seen the green woodpecker. Where is the best place/time to see them?
Thanks, Damian
Lawrence Hindley said
Sun Jun 29 10:59 AM, 2014
Thanks Sid, Good Point I hadn't thought of that.
sid ashton said
Sun Jun 29 10:05 AM, 2014
In the park 06.00 - 08.15 today on a pleasantly sunny morning. First stop was at Smithy pool where the Swan family; parents and 6 cygnets were alseep on the bank next to the bench where the feathers that Lawrence mentioned were strewn about. I had noticed these earlier in the week. From the amount of droppings it looks as though the birds spend some time there and the feathers could possiblly be from an early moult. So perhaps not too much to worry about.
Also of note on the Bollin, upstream the flats at Bollington mill, 10's of House Martins taking insects. In previous years House Martins have nested in the eaves of the flats but not this year so it was good to see them. Downstream the flats, also feeding over the river a group of 15 - 20 Sand Martins stayed around for a time.
Lawrence Hindley said
Sat Jun 28 10:18 PM, 2014
Thanks Steven, I ask as we have had real problems with Mink in the park. Last year they took all the 9 Cygnets from 2 pairs on Smithy and Island Pools. If there is ever evidence of Mink we let the Rangers know and they deal with the issue ASAP. I am not saying this was Mink but it is worth asking.
steven burke said
Sat Jun 28 10:09 PM, 2014
Lawrence Hindley wrote:
Just seen your post Steven so will just add a few more birds seen while on duty as a Park Guide in the park this afternoon
1 Grey Wagtail by the mill 3 Sand Martins over Smithy Pool 2 Mistle Thrush on top path 2 Buzzard on top path 1 Treecreeper near Langham Grove
Also observed 2 Carrion Crows trying to predate the Mallard Ducklings on Smithy. However the female Mallard was aggressively attacking them, but she was being vigorously assisted by the Cobb Swan who was being very aggressive toward them as well. There were many white swan feathers strewn about as well which seemed to show that the Swan may have had an altercation with something bigger earlier. If you or anybody has any information on this it would be appreciated?
hi Lawrence, I noticed all the mute swan feathers whilst I was watching the pool, everything seemed calm, so obviously must of happened before I arrived.
Lawrence Hindley said
Sat Jun 28 9:46 PM, 2014
Just seen your post Steven so will just add a few more birds seen while on duty as a Park Guide in the park this afternoon
1 Grey Wagtail by the mill 3 Sand Martins over Smithy Pool 2 Mistle Thrush on top path 2 Buzzard on top path 1 Treecreeper near Langham Grove
Also observed 2 Carrion Crows trying to predate the Mallard Ducklings on Smithy. However the female Mallard was aggressively attacking them, but she was being vigorously assisted by the Cobb Swan who was being very aggressive toward them as well. There were many white swan feathers strewn about as well which seemed to show that the Swan may have had an altercation with something bigger earlier. If you or anybody has any information on this it would be appreciated?
steven burke said
Sat Jun 28 9:25 PM, 2014
7.30-12-30pm.
golf course & forest...
4 great spotted woodpeckers 1 jay chasing juvenile coal tits ! 3 treecreepers nuthatches all over the place. 3 chiffchaffs several blackcaps around inc 1 male feeding 2 fledglings. 1 buzzard 2 goldcrests 5 song thrushes plus all the usuals around with lots of juveniles.
deer park...
3 green woodpeckers 6-7 great spotted woodpeckers 1 kestrel 1 jay 1 kingfisher 1 pied wagtail 6 grey herons
island pool... 2 tufted ducks + 5 juveniles, 1 little grebe.
plus all the usuals around, plus jackdaws seem to have taken over the deer park, no crows or rooks seen
John Doherty said
Mon Jun 23 7:54 PM, 2014
1 Green Woodpecker (poor fleeting views), 1 Buzzard (mobbed by corvids) and 2 Nuthatch were today's highlights
Phil Owen said
Thu Jun 19 12:03 AM, 2014
sid ashton wrote:
On an evening stroll along the canal behind the park a Common Tern passed us a couple of times. Never seen one in that area previously.
They seem to be fairly regular at Manor Farm fishery over the road from the Vine Pub Sid. I've seen them there a few times in the past when my son fishes whilst I bird!
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Thursday 19th of June 2014 12:04:37 AM
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Thursday 19th of June 2014 12:06:13 AM
sid ashton said
Wed Jun 18 10:27 PM, 2014
On an evening stroll along the canal behind the park a Common Tern passed us a couple of times. Never seen one in that area previously.
Ian McKerchar said
Mon May 5 4:48 PM, 2014
Originally posted today by John Barber:
Coming back from Altrincham sewage works to Lymm there is a ploughed field on the left down Henshall lane ( first turning past Red House Farm ) with a pair of Grey Partridge and several Wheatear feeding on it this afternoon.
PHIL GREENWOOD said
Wed Apr 9 8:34 PM, 2014
Wednesday, April 9th.
Just round the corner at the Little Heath Farm, behind the Axe and Cleaver, my first House Martin of the year.
Jon Beckett said
Mon Mar 24 4:03 PM, 2014
This morning Green Sandpiper Green Woodpecker 3 Brambling 3 Buzzard 2 Mistle Thrush Plenty of other regulars
Lawrence Hindley said
Sun Mar 23 6:36 AM, 2014
Yesterday in the park 1.00pm - 5.00pm
Old Mans Pool and Langham Grove
2 x Goosander 1m 1f 20+ Redwing 1x Treecreeper 3x Song Thrush 1x Great Spotted Woodpecker 4x Jay 2x Stock Dove 2x Buzzard
Flooded field by Bollington Gate
1x Green Sandpiper 2x Grey Heron 2X Stock Dove 10+ Pied Wagtail 20+ Black Headed Gull (down from the hundreds over the winter)
Top Path at edge of park
1x Green Woodpecker feeding on ground
Island Pool
3x Teal
Simon Gough said
Sat Mar 22 9:17 PM, 2014
A nice walk at the Deer Park from 845-1300
Great views of the Green Sandpiper this morning on the flooded field. Lifer for me, really nice bird to see, on a plate too Also a wonderful few minutes stalking a Male Green Woodpecker, got to about 10m away as it fed on the ground. 1 other about, perhaps more. No Brambling, presume they might have left? Chiffchaff calling, not seen due to my laziness about getting after it! 3 Cormorants and a female Sparrowhawk over and 3 Buzzards together calling plus the usual cast list of woodland birds and wildfowl on the ponds
Also (and not that surprising I suppose in a Deer Park) a spellbinding few minutes watching a group of about 30 Fallow Deer crossing the footpath right in front of myself and a few other equally enchanted walkers. It was wonderful to see them so close.
All in Greater Manchester too.
-- Edited by Simon Gough on Saturday 22nd of March 2014 09:22:49 PM
sid ashton said
Fri Mar 21 9:32 PM, 2014
Green Sandpiper still on the flooded field towards Bollington Mill flats late on this afternoon.
sid ashton said
Thu Mar 20 9:38 AM, 2014
My first Dunham Chiffchaff of the year singing in Brickkiln Wood yesterday afternoon.
steven burke said
Sun Mar 2 7:14 PM, 2014
7.30-11am.
golf course & forest...
5 great spotted woodpeckers 6 nuthatches 4 treecreepers 2 stock doves 3 goldcrests 2 jays 5 song thrushes lots of redwings all around & all usual birds in full song.
deer park...
3 green woodpeckers 8 great spotted woodpeckers 7 nuthatches 6 treecreepers 6 jays 10+ bramblings 6 stock doves 2 buzzards 6 tufted ducks, 3 teal on island pool. 1 green sandpiper on flooded field over bollington gate. lots of redwings around & lots of fieldfares flying over into the fields just outside the park. again all the usual birds around in full song.
-- Edited by steven burke on Sunday 2nd of March 2014 07:14:58 PM
Lawrence Hindley said
Sat Mar 1 9:32 PM, 2014
The park was heaving with people today as it was the start of the summer season. Yes summer in early march!!! However the bird life was also heaving with winter visitors. I hope you all notice the irony.
Langham Grove
20-30 Redwing
20+ Brambling
10+ Chaffinch
4 Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Treecreeper
5 Nuthatch
1 Song Thrush in full song
Flooded Fields by Bollington Gate
100-200 Black Headed Gull
1 Green Sandpiper
15 Pied/White Wagtail
1 Grey Wagtail
Nick Hilton said
Mon Feb 17 4:36 PM, 2014
17/02/14 1100 - 1430 Park & adjacent environs; Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Kestrel, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, Black Headed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Green Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Redwing, Song Thrush, Long Tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Bullfinch
New visitor centre open, quite impressive.
John Blundell said
Sat Feb 1 12:10 PM, 2014
Sat 1st Feb 10:00hrs walk around deer park; birds of note, Treecreeper, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 8 Buzzards, Brambling, m+f Goosander on lake
Green Woodpecker yaffling, Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming. A Redwing roost in the rhodedendrons at the back of the Moat pool contained a decent number of birds judging by the noise.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 31st of January 2014 12:38:09 PM
Lawrence Hindley said
Sat Jan 18 11:04 PM, 2014
Birds around the park from 12.00 to 15.00
20+ Brambling by fallen trees opposite side of Charcoal drive to the deer barn
100+ Wood Pigeon in one flock alone
200+ Black headed Gull on flooded fields by Bollington Gate
1 Common Gull with above
95 Canada Geese on Island Pool and the Moat
1 Green Woodpecker
2 Little Grebe on smithy pool
1 Teal on Island pool
-- Edited by Lawrence Hindley on Saturday 18th of January 2014 11:05:50 PM
Andy Voisey said
Thu Jan 16 4:46 AM, 2014
Had a quick walk round after lunch.
A couple of redwing by the car park, then a flock of about 30 feeding in the leaf litter in the deer park.
Peregrine between Bollington Mill & Dunham Park
1 Goosander & 1 Tufted Duck @Hall Lake
The highlights were:
1 Common Buzzard
2 Grey Heron
Many Nuthatch very vocal throughout the park
5+ Long Tailed Tit
1 Coal Tit
3 Goldcrest
1 Treecreeper
1 Green Woodpecker, a female feeding on ground next to deer barn for a good 15 minutes.
1 Mistle Thrush
1 Song Thrush
1 Greenfinch
20 people attended the walk, which was just right.
golf course & forest...
2 great spotted woodpecker
7 nuthatch
9 goldcrest
2 treecreeper
2 mistle thrush
expected to see lots of redwing around, only managed to see 5 over
deer park...
2 green woodpecker
4 great spotted woodpecker
9 nuthatch
5 treecreeper
3 goldcrest
2 jay
3 buzzard
again only 6 redwing seen in here.
island pool.. 7 tufted duck, 1 teal.
smithy pool... 4 tufted duck, 1 juvenile mute swan, being ringed by steve Christmas (nice to meet you) & jammie dunning.
flock of 63 mostly greenfinch with few chaffinch.
36 lapwing, over
at 5.05pm 2 skiens of pink footed geese went over east, they went over my head so managed to still see them in the dark a rough guess at 200-300.
tawny owl & little owl heard only.
plus all usuals around.
100+ flock of Fieldfare flew over the hall
200+ Black Headed Gull on flooded field by Bollin
5 Grey heron
2 Stock Dove
1 Treecreeper
2 kestrel both giving alarm calls
2 Little Grebe
A Green Woodpecker was just north of the island pool.
Cheers.
Woodhouse Lane opposite the cottages is fine.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Monday 20th of October 2014 08:58:52 AM
NOT SCHOOL LANE!
Very little in the way of bird sightings, was hoping for a Green Woodpecker but none seen.
-1 Buzzard over
-1 Sparrowhawk
-1 Nuthatch
-1 Great Spotted Woodpecker (heard only at close quarters but couldn't see it)
-Flock of Redwings heard in the tree tops on Main Drive, but I could see that they were moving through the trees so unable to give a number, sounded loud and there tends to be quite a large number in Dunham, was last year anyway.
-Jackdaws everywhere
-usuals on Smithy Pool ... Mallard, Coot, Black-headed Gull
Without doubt the star attraction was the Fallow Deer herd, and just recently Mammals have provided some good sightings on recent trips out. After climbing over the stile immediately there were 2 fairly large darkish Buck's partially hidden sat in the vegetation against the perimeter brick wall. They were keeping out of the way of the 2 even larger pale phase Buck's that were bellowing to each other and chasing Doe's. These 2 really are thick set Buck's and 1 of them provided a bit of a rush when he charged a Doe to right near where I was standing, I don't know if she ran over to me for a bit of protection but there would've been very little I could've done against that hormonal brut!
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Sunday 19th of October 2014 09:12:01 PM
You can also park in the area near the Swan with Two Nicks pub Little Bollington at the end of Park Lane, off the A56 Lymm Road. From here cross the bridge over the Bollin and then across the meadow footpath into the park. You can walk along the river bank here as well.
If you do go by bike Tim is absolutely correct you will not be allowed to ride in the park, cycling in the park is only for the up to 5 year olds I assume for the safety of other park users.
-- Edited by sid ashton on Sunday 19th of October 2014 04:32:17 PM
Only entry to the Hall is charged. And the car park of course but you can park off Coal Lane if you're early enough and walk there. You can cycle there too but beware the fascist NT wardens who have failed to notice that British Cycling and the NT have combined to 'promote' cycling (with a photo of a bike outside the hall natch!). I was practically arrested by their goons for cycling there at the dizzying speed of 3mph
2 Green Woodpecker - Ace views flying in front of me across the main path!
3 Buzzard
2 Pied Wagtail
Plus loads of water birds!
-- Edited by sid ashton on Monday 8th of September 2014 09:12:59 PM
-- Edited by sid ashton on Monday 18th of August 2014 06:36:03 PM
1 f Mandarin Duck on the moat
Bollington Gate
3 grey Heron
1 Stock Dove
Kingfisher on smithy pool, 8 catches within five minutes. Great viewing.
Visit from 10:30am - 13:00pm
2 adult and 6 juvenile swans on smithy's pool.
5 Little Grebes on Island Pool with coots and moorhens.
6 Grey Herons on brook flowing out of park.
Green woodpecker heard but not seen.
House Martin
Swallows
Swift
Mistle Thrush
Mute Swans and 6 cygnets
Nuthatch
Treecreeper
Wren
Blue Tit
Magpie
Carrion Crows
Heron x 3
Canada Geese
Goldfinch
House Sparrow
Pied Wagtail
Mallard
Coots
Along Bridgewater Canal (between Dunham village and turn off for Swan with Two Nicks pub):
Banded Demoiselle (Male) - lifer for me
Large Red Damselfly
Common Blue Damselfly
Meadow Brown and Gatekeeper butterflies
2 Green Woodpecker (1 adult, 1 juv) in trees to the left of the hall, where the stile crosses the wall.
1 Stock Dove & 2 Woodpigeon on the banks of the Bollin, just over the wall.
7-8 Mistle Thrush among the deer, just in front of the hall.
1 Grey Heron on the edge of Island Pool.
Also nearby:
2 Yellowhammer perched up on wires, just off Oldfield Lane.
This morning as well as the young Swans, Coots and Mallards on Smithy pool other species with young were seen:- Moorhen, Treecreeper, Buzzard and a very noisey Green Woodpecker that only shut up when one of the parents fed it
Green Woodpecker 2 (1m, 1juv)
Damian
Best of Luck
Lawrence
Thanks, Damian
Also of note on the Bollin, upstream the flats at Bollington mill, 10's of House Martins taking insects. In previous years House Martins have nested in the eaves of the flats but not this year so it was good to see them. Downstream the flats, also feeding over the river a group of 15 - 20 Sand Martins stayed around for a time.
hi Lawrence, I noticed all the mute swan feathers whilst I was watching the pool, everything seemed calm, so obviously must of happened before I arrived.
1 Grey Wagtail by the mill
3 Sand Martins over Smithy Pool
2 Mistle Thrush on top path
2 Buzzard on top path
1 Treecreeper near Langham Grove
Also observed 2 Carrion Crows trying to predate the Mallard Ducklings on Smithy. However the female Mallard was aggressively attacking them, but she was being vigorously assisted by the Cobb Swan who was being very aggressive toward them as well. There were many white swan feathers strewn about as well which seemed to show that the Swan may have had an altercation with something bigger earlier. If you or anybody has any information on this it would be appreciated?
golf course & forest...
4 great spotted woodpeckers
1 jay chasing juvenile coal tits !
3 treecreepers
nuthatches all over the place.
3 chiffchaffs
several blackcaps around inc 1 male feeding 2 fledglings.
1 buzzard
2 goldcrests
5 song thrushes
plus all the usuals around with lots of juveniles.
deer park...
3 green woodpeckers
6-7 great spotted woodpeckers
1 kestrel
1 jay
1 kingfisher
1 pied wagtail
6 grey herons
smithy pool... 2 mute swans + 6 juveniles, 4 tufted ducks, 2 swallows.
island pool... 2 tufted ducks + 5 juveniles, 1 little grebe.
plus all the usuals around, plus jackdaws seem to have taken over the deer park, no crows or rooks seen
They seem to be fairly regular at Manor Farm fishery over the road from the Vine Pub Sid. I've seen them there a few times in the past when my son fishes whilst I bird!
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Thursday 19th of June 2014 12:04:37 AM
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Thursday 19th of June 2014 12:06:13 AM
Coming back from Altrincham sewage works to Lymm there is a ploughed field on the left down Henshall lane ( first turning past Red House Farm ) with a pair of Grey Partridge and several Wheatear feeding on it this afternoon.
Just round the corner at the Little Heath Farm, behind the Axe and Cleaver, my first House Martin of the year.
Green Sandpiper
Green Woodpecker
3 Brambling
3 Buzzard
2 Mistle Thrush
Plenty of other regulars
Old Mans Pool and Langham Grove
2 x Goosander 1m 1f
20+ Redwing
1x Treecreeper
3x Song Thrush
1x Great Spotted Woodpecker
4x Jay
2x Stock Dove
2x Buzzard
Flooded field by Bollington Gate
1x Green Sandpiper
2x Grey Heron
2X Stock Dove
10+ Pied Wagtail
20+ Black Headed Gull (down from the hundreds over the winter)
Top Path at edge of park
1x Green Woodpecker feeding on ground
Island Pool
3x Teal
Great views of the Green Sandpiper this morning on the flooded field. Lifer for me, really nice bird to see, on a plate too
Also a wonderful few minutes stalking a Male Green Woodpecker, got to about 10m away as it fed on the ground. 1 other about, perhaps more.
No Brambling, presume they might have left?
Chiffchaff calling, not seen due to my laziness about getting after it!
3 Cormorants and a female Sparrowhawk over and 3 Buzzards together calling plus the usual cast list of woodland birds and wildfowl on the ponds
Also (and not that surprising I suppose in a Deer Park) a spellbinding few minutes watching a group of about 30 Fallow Deer crossing the footpath right in front of myself and a few other equally enchanted walkers. It was wonderful to see them so close.
All in Greater Manchester too.
-- Edited by Simon Gough on Saturday 22nd of March 2014 09:22:49 PM
golf course & forest...
5 great spotted woodpeckers
6 nuthatches
4 treecreepers
2 stock doves
3 goldcrests
2 jays
5 song thrushes
lots of redwings all around & all usual birds in full song.
deer park...
3 green woodpeckers
8 great spotted woodpeckers
7 nuthatches
6 treecreepers
6 jays
10+ bramblings
6 stock doves
2 buzzards
6 tufted ducks, 3 teal on island pool.
1 green sandpiper on flooded field over bollington gate.
lots of redwings around & lots of fieldfares flying over into the fields just outside the park.
again all the usual birds around in full song.
-- Edited by steven burke on Sunday 2nd of March 2014 07:14:58 PM
However the bird life was also heaving with winter visitors. I hope you all notice the irony.
Langham Grove
20-30 Redwing
20+ Brambling
10+ Chaffinch
4 Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Treecreeper
5 Nuthatch
1 Song Thrush in full song
Flooded Fields by Bollington Gate
100-200 Black Headed Gull
1 Green Sandpiper
15 Pied/White Wagtail
1 Grey Wagtail
Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, Tufted Duck, Pheasant, Little Grebe, Grey Heron, Kestrel, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Green Sandpiper, Black Headed Gull, Wood Pigeon, Green Woodpecker, Grey Wagtail, Wren, Robin, Blackbird, Mistle Thrush, Redwing, Song Thrush, Long Tailed Tit, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Nuthatch, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Bullfinch
New visitor centre open, quite impressive.
Green Woodpecker yaffling, Great Spotted Woodpecker drumming.
A Redwing roost in the rhodedendrons at the back of the Moat pool contained a decent number of birds judging by the noise.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Friday 31st of January 2014 12:38:09 PM
20+ Brambling by fallen trees opposite side of Charcoal drive to the deer barn
100+ Wood Pigeon in one flock alone
200+ Black headed Gull on flooded fields by Bollington Gate
1 Common Gull with above
95 Canada Geese on Island Pool and the Moat
1 Green Woodpecker
2 Little Grebe on smithy pool
1 Teal on Island pool
-- Edited by Lawrence Hindley on Saturday 18th of January 2014 11:05:50 PM
A couple of redwing by the car park, then a flock of about 30 feeding in the leaf litter in the deer park.
The park is waterlogged and very muddy.