6 Great Crested Grebes 2 Cormorants 4 Grey Herons 2 Greylag Geese 25 Canada Geese + the hybrid 30+ Mallards Moorhens included juvenile on farmland ponds 30+ Black-headed Gulls 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 Common Terns A few Swallows 1 Pied Wagtail Grey Wagtails at the overflow tunnel 2 Stock Doves at the quarry
David Lumb said
Wed Apr 23 9:27 PM, 2014
8.15am to 9.30am
3 Great Crested Grebes 1 Cormorant 2 Grey Herons 12 Canada Geese + the hybrid 20+ Mallards 20+ Black-headed Gulls 1 Common Tern 10+ Swallows 1 Pied Wagtail 1 Meadow Pipit 1 Linnet 1 Curlew on the other side of Bradshaw Road + the usual residents
It sounds like the Pink-footed Geese did not stay long, just a brief rest before their long journey north. As I discussed the geese over a pint yesterday lunctime a mate who had gone to check for them yesterday morning said they had gone but there were 7 Ravens on the quarry banking. The other chap with us then said he must of only just missed me the day before as he wandered around with his wife. He knows what they look like and you could hardly miss them by the bridge, but they only saw Canada Geese and the hybrid.
David Lumb said
Fri Apr 18 7:53 PM, 2014
8.00am to 10.15am.
Good Friday became Super Friday when I got to the top end of the reservoir. Two Pink-footed Geese with the Canada Geese & 5 Ravens on the quarry. Two of the Ravens stayed in the tree tops while the other three flew off. Two of them returned and then the four flew off towards Turton Golf Course.
Other birds this morning included :- 5 Great Crested Grebes 1 Cormorant 4 Grey Herons 30 Canada Geese + the hybrid 25+ Mallards 2 Moorhens 8 Black-headed Gulls 1 Common Tern 2 Stock Doves 1 Sand Martin 2 Swallows at Grange Farm stables & 2 at the farm up the access road (no problem with returning Swallows on my local patch) 2 Linnets on the fields between the access road & Walsh Fold, with lots of Rooks
David Lumb said
Wed Apr 16 5:18 PM, 2014
Just the usuals on the reservoir this morning but a Swallow was at the Grange Farm stables.
I left the reservoir and headed over the fields towards the pill box on Chapeltown Road and was taken by surprise when a drake Goosander flew off the pond up there.
David Lumb said
Sat Apr 12 4:39 PM, 2014
8.00am to 10.40am.
9 Great Crested Grebes 2 Cormorants 3 Grey Herons 19 Canada Geese + the hybrid 4 Moorhens 80+ Black-headed Gulls on the fields near Walsh Fold eventually moved down to the reservoir 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Pheasant 24 Woodpigeons, 1 Stock Dove, 2 Collared Doves, 1 Tawny Owl near the information centre, 5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers 1 Swallow, 1 Pied Wagtail Wrens (35) & Robins (29) everywhere + 6 Dunnocks 10 Blackbirds, 6 Song Thrushes, 2 Mistle Thrushes 3 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, 4 Goldcrests 2 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Coal Tits, 10+ Blue Tits & Great Tits, 6 Nuthatches, 1 Treecreeper 3 Jays, 10 Magpies, 4 Jackdaws, 25+ Carrion Crows, 1 Raven flying over, & Rooks heard calling from the rookery on Bradshaw Road House Sparrows at Walsh Fold & up the access road 12 Chaffinches, 8 Greenfinches, 9 Goldfinches, & 2 Bullfinches
David Lumb said
Wed Apr 9 5:25 PM, 2014
8.25am to 9.50am.
7 Great Crested Grebes 3 Cormorants 2 Grey Herons 15 Canada Geese + the hybrid c25 Mallards 1 Kestrel 2 Moorhens 1 Lapwing + 1 Curlew on the farmland 20+ Black-headed Gulls 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Common Tern on one of the buoys Usual woodland birds including numerous Chiffchaffs but no sign of any other warblers
7.35am to 10.45am. Some sheltered spots around the reservoir but very windy on the farmland/fields either side.
7 Great Crested Grebes 3 Cormorants 1 Grey Heron 28 Canada Geese + the hybrid 23 Mallards 1m Goosander flying over 1 Sparrowhawk 3 Buzzards 3 Moorhens 1 Coot 10 Black-headed Gulls 2 Lesser Black-backed gulls on the reservoir & a few passing over 2 Stock Doves, 40 Woodpigeons, & 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 2 Grey Wagtails & 2 Pied Wagtails, Lots of Wrens & Robins + a few Dunnocks, 11 Blackbirds, 6 Song Thrushes, & 4 Mistle Thrushes, 3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Goldcrests, 6 Nuthatches, & a Treecreeper, Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, & Great Tits, Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws, & Carrion Crows, A few House Sparrows up the access road Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Siskins, & Bullfinches,
David Lumb said
Wed Mar 26 2:21 PM, 2014
7.50am to 9.00am
5 Great Crested Grebes 5 Cormorants 2 Grey Herons 20 Canada Geese + the hybrid c40 Mallards 1m Pochard 3 Moorhens 1 Coot 1 Curlew 10 Black-headed Gulls 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls 2m Reed Buntings at the pond near the pill box
David Lumb said
Thu Mar 20 4:31 PM, 2014
8.20am to 11.30am
5 Great Crested Grebes 7 Cormorants 1 Grey Heron 1 Mute Swan. Flew in from down Bradshaw Brook so is probably from the one from Firwood Lodges. 10 Canada Geese 50+ Mallards 1m Pochard 3 Moorhens 1 Coot 4 Lapwings 15 Black-headed Gulls Numerous Lesser Black-backed Gulls flying over 2 Grey Wagtails on the stream by Horrobin Lane
8.20am to 10.45am. Fairly sheltered from the wind, which drew me down here in the first place. Glad I came down here as it confirmed a garden sighting from earlier.
I heard Ravens over my garden at 7.20am as I went out to top up the garden feeders/table. A definite pair and possibly 3 others. I doubted myself that so many would fly oyer together and not having binoculars handy I guessed that some of them may have been Crows. It all became clearer later on at Jumbles. About 9am I watched two pairs of Ravens fly into Jumbles and watched them fly around for a while. After they landed I saw 3 on a pylon near the railway and then they flew off down the Bradshaw Valley with another one from the trees behind the pylon. I did not think both pairs had gone onto that side of the reservoir and I soon heard the other pair calling from a pylon on the Bradshaw Road side, so there were actually six birds, and I presume this was the flock over my house earlier. The Bradshaw Road side pair was still flying around when I left.
6 Great Crested Grebes 4 Cormorants 3 Grey Herons 33 Canada Geese + the hybrid 50+ Mallards 1m Pochard 5 Moorhens 1 Coot 2 Lapwings 2 Curlews 30+ Black-headed Gulls (still checking them all for a Med Gull and still waiting for one) 1 Sparrowhawk 2 Buzzards 20+ Siskins at the Chapeltown Road car park 1 Reed Bunting at the pond near the pill box on Chapeltown Road + all the other regular species
David Lumb said
Thu Mar 13 5:51 PM, 2014
8.30am to 12.15pm. A couple of hours checking the woodland birds in the fog, a check of the farmland near Bradshaw Road as the fog started to clear (finally cleared at 10.50am), and back around the reservoir for the water birds when I could actually see something.
8 Great Crested Grebes 7 Cormorants 1 Grey Heron flying over 27 Canada Geese + the hybrid 53 Mallards, 1m Pochard, Pair of Tufted Ducks 5 Moorhens, 1 Coot 30+ Black-headed Gulls, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls 1 Buzzard 3 Pheasants 4 Lapwings, 1 Curlew 19 Woodpigeons 2 Tawny Owls calling from the top of the quarry 5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers 2 Grey Wagtails, 3 Pied Wagtails Lots of Wrens, Dunnocks, & Robins 17 Blackbirds, c130 Redwings, 6 Song Thrushes, 2 Mistle Thrushes 4 Goldcrests 8 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Coal Tits, 20+ Blue Tits, & 20+ Great Tits 4 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers 7 Jays (including a flock of 5 birds), 8 Magpies, 20+ Jackdaws, 36 Rooks (feeding on the field by Bradshaw Road), & 7 Carrion Crows 1 Starling & 4 House Sparrows 10+ Chaffinches, 8 Greenfinches, 10+ Goldfinches, 1 Siskin, 4 Bullfinches
6 Great Crested Grebes 29 Canada Geese + the hybrid Numerous Mallards 1m Pochard 5 Moorhens 2 Coots 2 Lapwings 1 Buzzard 10 Black-headed Gulls 1 Dipper on the overflow pipies 60+ Redwings
David Lumb said
Wed Mar 5 5:53 PM, 2014
8.00am to 10.40am. Whole area covered in excellent conditions for counting everything. All the regulars very active & a few things just passing through.
8 Great Crested Grebes 1 Cormorant Only 1 Grey Heron on the reservoir, and a couple passing over 2 Mute Swans. Left the reservoir at 8.50 and flew down the valley 25 Canada Geese + the hybrid goose 65 Mallards 1m Pochard 1m Goldeneye. Flew in and left after about 20 minutes 5 Moorhens 3 Coots 30+ Black-headed Gulls 1 Common Gull 1 Buzzard at the top end as usual 1 Sparrowhawk very high up An Oystercatcher flew in from down the valley, circled around the reservoir, and then headed off towards Wayoh 4 Lapwings on farmland 90+ Woodpigeons, lots of them passing through. Pair of Collared Doves on Grange Road. 1 Tawny Owl calling from the top of the quarry again 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers 1 Grey Wagtail at the bottom end of the reservoir & 2 more at the top end 1 Pied Wagtail up the access road Lots of Wrens, Dunnocks, & Robins 19 Blackbirds, 50+ Redwings (Grange Road), 9 Song Thrushes, & 3 Mistle Thrushes 5 Goldcrests Numerous pairs of Long-tailed Tits, pair of Coal Tits, & lots of Blue Tits and Great Tits Only 2 Nuthatches seen and no Treecreepers (they must have been somewhere) 11 Jays (including a flock of 7 birds), 11 Magpies, 6 Jackdaws, 20 Carrion Crows. Rooks could be heard calling at the rookery on Bradshaw Road 3 Starlings, 2 House Sparrows 12 Chaffinches, 10+ Greenfinches, 10+ Goldfinches, 4 Bullfinches
David Lumb said
Mon Mar 3 4:29 PM, 2014
8.20am to 9.25am.
10 Great Crested Grebes 3 Grey Herons 37 Canada Geese 2 Greylag Geese. They flew in with some of the Canada Geese & the hybrid. 55 Mallards 1m Pochard 3 Moorhens 3 Coots 20+ Black-headed Gulls 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls 1 Buzzard 1 Grey Wagtail
Pair of Buzzards perched in trees. If they are supposed to be such a threat to Pheasants why did they totally ignore the delicious looking cock bird immediately below them ?
1 Kestrel flushed 70+ Redwings from near the information centre. Another 50+ Redwings were along Grange Road.
I watched a Kingfisher fly across the top end of the reservoir whilst listening to a Tawny Owl calling from the top of the quarry.
A Dipper flew past the Horrobin Lane car park towards the stream by Horrobin Lane before flying back past a few minutes later heading for the top end of the reservoir.
David Lumb said
Tue Feb 25 7:45 PM, 2014
8.15am to 10.15am.
6 Great Crested Grebes 1 Cormorant 2 Grey Herons on the reservoir & 2 flying over 32 Canada Geese + the hybrid 66 Mallards 1m Pochard 4 Moorhens 30+ Black-headed Gulls 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flying over Pair of Buzzards flying around together at the top end A Peregrine & a Kestrel very high up A distant Curlew heard from the direction of Turton Golf Course 5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers Grey Wagtail & Pied Wagtail up the access road 3 Fieldfares between Walsh Fold & Bradshaw Road 100+ Redwings along Grange Road & 50+ near the information centre
David Lumb said
Fri Feb 21 8:50 PM, 2014
9am to 9.45am.
5 Great Crested Grebes 4 Grey Herons 39 Canada Geese + the hybrid goose Numerous Mallards 1m Pochard 1 Buzzard 3 Moorhens 30+ Black-headed Gulls 1 Common Gull
David Lumb said
Wed Feb 19 11:53 AM, 2014
8.15am to 10.30am.
6 Great Crested Grebes 2 Cormorants 1 Grey Heron One pair of Canada Geese + the injured one A Greylag Goose flew in and joined the pair of Canada Geese 68 Mallards 1m Pochard 4 Moorhens 50+ Black-headed Gulls 1 Common Gull 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull passing over 5 Herring Gulls soaring around very high up 1 Pheasant, 60+ Woodpigeons, & 2 Collared Doves 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers 2 Pied Wagtails up the access road 2 Grey Wagtails & 2 Dippers by the footbridge at the overflow Wrens, Dunnocks, & Robins 10 Blackbirds, 7 Song Thrushes, & 2 Mistle Thrushes Redwings all over the place. Grange Road, Horrobin Lane, Walsh Fold, near the main car park, and along Bradshaw Brook. 2 Goldcrests at the top end, & 2 Treecreepers at Horrobin car park Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits, & Nuthatches 3 Jays, 11 Magpies, 50+ Jackdaws, 30+ Rooks, & 10 Carrion Crows A pair of House Sparrows up the access road and unusually one on the toilet block at the main car park Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Siskins, & Bullfinches
David Lumb said
Mon Feb 17 7:12 PM, 2014
The large Redwing flock was still around Grange Road this morning, spread all over the place so I could not get an exact count. Still well over 100 seen. Also Lesser Redpoll heard whilst I was checking them, first ones I have seen or heard down here this winter.
As I was checking the Grey Herons on the reservoir (only 3 this morning), through the fence by the entrance gate to Grange Farm, I saw two Shelducks flying off the reservoir (10.07am). They continued their flight over Bromley Cross.
Other reservoir birds :- 4 Great Crested Grebes 2 Cormorants 5 Canada Geese Numerous Mallards 1m Pochard 1m Goldeneye 2 Moorhens 30+ Black-headed Gulls 1 Common Gull 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull passing over
David Lumb said
Thu Feb 13 5:31 PM, 2014
A short early afternoon visit to finish off today's birding.
6 Great Crested Grebes 6 Grey Herons 31 Canada Geese, plus the injured one, and the hybrid Numerous Mallards 1m Pochard 4 Moorhens c75 Black-headed Gulls 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 3 Common Gulls
I finished off by checking the field by Grange Road. No Redwings or wagtails, and only one bird on the field. It was a Pink-footed Goose though, and a great way to finish the day.
David Lumb said
Tue Feb 11 2:28 PM, 2014
Still a large flock of Redwings on the field between Grange Road & the railway line. 200+ on Saturday morning and early afternoon today. A pile of muck/straw from the stables also attracted a couple of Grey Wagtails & a Pied Wagtail to the Redwing flock.
On the reservoir :- 6 Great Crested Grebes 3 Grey Herons 29 Canada Geese + the hybrid 90 Mallards 1m Pochard 6 Moorhens 60+ Black-headed Gulls 3 Common Gulls
David Lumb said
Fri Feb 7 8:02 PM, 2014
After getting my first local Shelducks on Wayoh this morning I found another one here about an hour later.
Suddenly gone from a local mega to common, and for once I can keep both county recorders happy ! Neither of them missing out this time.
David Lumb said
Thu Feb 6 5:53 PM, 2014
A good day for Redwings, morning and afternoon. I estimated about 90 birds along Grange Road this morning as I headed for the reservoir, and as I walked up the access road about an hour later I saw another 100+. Boths flocks seemed to be heading towards Bradshaw Lodges. A few more were between Walsh Fold & Bradshaw Road. In the afternoon as I crossed Ousel Nest Meadow I heard a Fieldfare calling so I followed the call to add to the morning sightings. It took me back to Grange Road where I found almost 300 Redwings on the field between the road & the railway line, plus one Fieldfare. It looks like the morning flocks had merged together.
Others seen today :- 6 Great Crested Grebes 1 Cormorant 5 Grey Herons 17 Canada Geese + the hybrid which has been missing for quite a while 67 Mallards 5 Moorhens 40+ Black-headed Gulls 13 Feral Pigeons & 40+ Woodpigeons 5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, including 3 squabbling away in a tree where 3 Mistle Thrushes were doing the same. Sometimes 3 into 2 does not go. 1 Pied Wagtail Wrens, Dunnocks, Robins, Blackbirds, & Song Thrushes 1 Goldcrest Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits, & Nuthatches Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws, Rooks, Carrion Crows, & House Sparrows at Walsh Fold Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, & Bullfinches
David Lumb said
Fri Jan 31 7:49 PM, 2014
9am to 10.15am. Water levels have been lowered ready for work to start, bringing things like Moorhens out into the open.
5 Great Crested Grebes 2 Cormorants 9 Grey Herons 1 Canada Goose, the bird with damaged wings 77 Mallards 1m Goldeneye 7 Moorhens 40+ Black-headed Gulls Pair of Dippers near the footbridge at the overflow & one at the top end of the reservoir
David Lumb said
Mon Jan 27 5:53 PM, 2014
Early afternoon search of the reservoir.
4 Great Crested Grebes 9 Grey Herons 20 Canada Geese (the bird with the injured wings still does not mix with the other geese) Numerous Mallards 2 Moorhens 60+ Black-headed Gulls 1 Common Gull
David Lumb said
Thu Jan 23 2:52 PM, 2014
A full bird count around the whole area from 10.20 to 13.05. Fairly sheltered from the wind so it seemed a good idea to stay around this area.
5 Great Crested Grebes 2 Cormorants 12 Grey Herons 22 Canada Geese 79 Mallards 2 Buzzards in The Horrobin Lane area 2 Moorhens 70+ Black-headed Gulls 3 Common Gulls 9 Feral Pigeons c65 Woodpigeons 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Ousel Nest Meadow Only 1 Wren seen, none heard surprisingly 4 Dunnocks 18 Robins 11 Blackbirds 2 Redwings. One at Ousel Nest & one near Horrobin Lane 2 Goldcrests by the steps up to the car park 4 flocks of Long-tailed Tits 2 Coal Tits by Bradshaw Brook & the usual couple outside the information centre 23 Blue Tits 14 Great Tits 2 Nuthatches by Bradshaw Brook 2 Treecreepers by the footbridge over Bradshaw Brook at the overflow 3 Jays 18 Magpies 20+ Jackdaws A couple of Rooks flying over 8 Carrion Crows Numerous House Sparrows up the access road 13 Chaffinches 1 Greenfinch 30+ Goldfinches 6 Bullfinches
4 Great Crested Grebes 2 Cormorants 6 Grey Herons 5 Canada Geese Numerous Mallards 1m Goosander 1 Moorhen 50+ Black-headed Gulls A Dipper flew under the bridge at the top end
7.50am to 8.55am. Still fairly dark when I got there but at least that meant Tawny Owls were still calling. One in gardens at Ousel Nest Meadow was calling to one replying from Bradshaw Brook. Another was calling from the Yatch Club.
4 Great Crested Grebes 5 Grey Herons 4 Canada Geese 100+ Mallards Pair of Goosanders A Buzzard flew up from the usual place near Horrobin Lane, then soared around for a few minutes, before heading off towards Hawkshaw 3 Moorhens 30+ Black-headed Gulls 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 2 Dippers on the weir at the top end
David Lumb said
Thu Jan 2 6:43 PM, 2014
8.10am to 10.55am. Longer than usual search to get this year's recording sheets going paid off when I had a Raven in the last few minutes (last year's ready for posting tomorrow Ian)
4 Great Crested Grebes 1 Cormorant 5 Grey Herons 16 Canada Geese 100+ Mallards 1 Buzzard being mobbed by Crows 1 Pheasant 2 Moorhens 50+ Black-headed Gulls 250+ Woodpigeons, including lots flying through 3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers 12 Wrens 2 Dunnocks 28 Robins. Seem to be everywhere again 14 Blackbirds 14 Redwings. A flock of 10 plus 4 individuals 2 Song Thrushes 5 Mistle Thrushes 2 Goldcrests 1 flock of Long-tailed Tits (10+) 2 Coal Tits 35 Blue Tits 15 Great Tits 4 Nuthatches 1 Treecreeper 5 Jays 18 Magpies 20+ Jackdaws 9 Carrion Crows 1 Raven 35 Starlings 2 House Sparrows 6 Chaffinches 5 Greenfinches 2 Goldfinches 6 Bullfinches
David Lumb said
Sat Dec 28 5:44 PM, 2013
7.55am to 10.05am. Whole area covered this morning, in numerous rain & hail showers.
4 Great Crested Grebes 3 Cormorants 6 Grey Herons 3 Canada Geese c80 Mallards 1f Tufted Duck 10 Goosanders flew from the reservoir towards Bradshaw 1 Buzzard flew in very low from the direction of Turton Golf Course 40+ Black-headed Gulls 1 Lesser Black-backed on the reservoir + 4 passing over 1 Great Black-backed Gull 51 Woodpigeons 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers 4 Wrens 1 Dunnock 11 Robins 11 Blackbirds 5 Fieldfares 2 Redwings 1 Song Thrush 1 Goldcrest 1 flock of Long-tailed Tits 2 Coal Tits 10+ Blue Tits 2 Great Tits 5 Nuthatches 1 Treecreeper 3 Jays 17 Magpies 20+ Jackdaws Rooks heard calling from Bradshaw Road 9 Carrion Crows 1 Starling 1 Dipper on the brook at the top end 5 Chaffinches 2 Greenfinches 6 Goldfinches 1 Siskin 6 Bullfinches
David Lumb said
Thu Dec 26 6:24 PM, 2013
8.40am to 9.35am.
4 Great Crested Grebes 8 Cormorants 2 Grey Herons 1 Canada Goose (the injured bird) 100+ Mallards 1m Pochard 2f Tufted Ducks 3 Goosanders flew over me as I walked across Ousel Nest Meadow, followed soon after by 2 more. All of them had come off the reservoir and were heading towards Bradshaw. 30+ Black-headed Gulls
David Lumb said
Mon Dec 2 5:21 PM, 2013
7.45am to 8.50am
2 Great Crested Grebes 2 Grey Herons 3 Canada Geese 100+ Mallards 1m Pochard 4 Moorhens 30+ Black-headed Gulls 4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls passing over 2 Dippers on the weir at the north end 1 Fieldfare 25+ Rooks flying along Bradshaw Road towards Bradshaw Lodges
David Lumb said
Sat Nov 30 2:50 PM, 2013
9.10am to 11.00am.
2 Great Crested Grebes 3 Cormorants 3 Grey Herons 15 Canada Geese 100+ Mallards 1m Pochard 7 Moorhens 100+ Black-headed Gulls as I left. Birds constantly flying in and out over the couple of hours I was there. 1 Common Gull 1 Fieldfare 1 Redwing 1 Dipper on Bradshaw Brook near the overflow
Other birds present on a fairly quiet morning :- Woodpigeons, Collared Doves, Pied Wagtails, Wrens, Dunnocks, Robins, Blackbirds, Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Nuthatches, Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws, Carrion Crows, Starlings, House Sparrows, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Siskins, Bullfinches.
David Lumb said
Wed Nov 27 1:55 AM, 2013
8.40am to 10.00am.
Reservoir :- 2 Great Crested Grebes 1 Cormorant 1 Canada Goose at the yatch club 1 drake Tufted Duck 4 Moorhens 50+ Black-headed Gulls 1 Common Gull 1 Kingfisher by the bridge near the yatch club. When it saw me it flew up the brook towards Horrobin Fold 3 Fieldfares flying over 4 Siskins
3 Great Crested Grebes 1 Cormorant 1 Grey Heron 2 Canada Geese. One on the reservoir and the one with it's Mallard mates on farmland 80+ Mallards 4 Moorhens 50+ Black-headed Gulls A flock of 12 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew over followed soon after by 12 Herring Gulls heading in the same direction 3 Common Gulls 4 Feral Pigeons 26 Woodpigeons 2 Collared Doves 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers 1 Meadow Pipit 1 Grey Wagtail 1 Pied Wagtail 9 Wrens 4 Dunnocks 12 Robins 13 Blackbirds 1 Song Thrush 1 Mistle Thrush 2 flocks of Long-tailed Tits 2 Coal Tits 14 Blue Tits 6 Great Tits 4 Nuthatches 1 Treecreeper 6 Jays 17 Magpies 6 Jackdaws 8 Carrion Crows 12 House Sparrows 8 Chaffinches 2 Greenfinches 4 Goldfinches 2 Siskins 6 Bullfinches
David Lumb said
Fri Nov 22 3:22 AM, 2013
8.35am to 9.50am.
A Tawny Owl in a garden just off Ousel Nest Meadow attracted lots of attention, especially from Blackbirds. Without moving anywhere I also saw a Redwing, a couple of Mistle Thrushes, Wrens, Robins, Long-tailed Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits, a Nuthatch, a Treecreeper, Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws (flying over), Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, & Bullfinches.
I had a text from John Barlow about the Whooper Swans over Wayoh. Nothing on Jumbles when I got there and speaking to a dog walker who had already been all around , no swans present before I got there, so it looks like they had just passed over.
As soon as I got to the reservoir at about 9am I watched two Ravens fly across just above tree height. They continued their flight over Bromley Cross.
2 Great Crested Grebes 3 Cormorants 1 Grey Heron 14 Canada Geese at the yatch club as yesterday, and the usual one with Mallards on farmland ponds. 100+ Mallards 4 Moorhens c75 Black-headed Gulls 2 Common Gulls 9 Feral Pigeons 20+ Woodpigeons 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker Wrens, Dunnocks, Robins, Blackbirds, Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits 1 Nuthatch 1 Dipper at the overflow Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws, Rooks, Carrion Crows Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Bullfinches
David Lumb said
Sat Nov 16 3:20 AM, 2013
Early afternoon check of the reservoir.
1 Great Crested Grebe 1 Cormorant 14 Canada Geese Numerous Mallards 1 Sparrowhawk soaring around high up 2 Moorhens 50+ Black-headed Gulls
David Lumb said
Wed Nov 13 10:11 PM, 2013
9am to 10.30am. Reservoir & farmland.
2 Great Crested Grebes 2 Cormorants 1 Grey Heron 3 Canada Geese. As usual one was with Mallards on farmland. Even when geese fly in it prefers the company of ducks. 100+ Mallards 5 Moorhens 50+ Black-headed Gulls 2 Common Gulls 1 Kingfisher 9 Feral Pigeons, 15 Woodpigeons 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers 3 Pied Wagtails Wrens, Dunnocks, Robins, Blackbirds. 1 Redwing. Blue Tits, Great Tits, Nuthatches. Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws, Rooks, Carrion Crows, House Sparrows. Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Siskins, Bullfinches.
David Lumb said
Sun Nov 10 2:02 AM, 2013
8.55am to 9.45am. Still not much going on.
1 Great Crested Grebe 1 Cormorant 1 Grey Heron 14 Canada Geese Only about 10 Mallards 2 Moorhens 30+ Black-headed Gulls 1 Buzzard passing over
David Lumb said
Fri Nov 8 1:22 AM, 2013
Only decent woodland sighting this morning was a mixed flock of finches on Ousel Nest Meadow, which consisted of 30+ Goldfinches with a few Chaffinches, Siskins, and Bullfinches.
When I got to the reservoir the first bird I saw was a Dipper flying from the reservoir down the embankment to Bradshaw Brook.
Not much on the reservoir :- 1 Great Crested Grebe 2 Cormorants 1 Grey Heron 5 Canada Geese Numerous Mallards 1 Moorhen 50+ Black-headed Gulls
As I was finishing off here I was asked a few questions by a young school party out with their teachers. "Not much about" I told them, and then one little girl brightened things up by saying "there's a seagull, seagulls are well good". I couldn't argue with her.
5 Great Crested Grebes 3 Cormorants 2 Grey Herons 1 juvenile Mute Swan. Unusual species here and the first one since last January. 1 Canada Goose 100+ Mallards 1 Moorhen 20+ Black-headed Gulls 1 Lesser Black-backed Gull 1 Dipper on Bradshaw Brook
6 Great Crested Grebes
2 Cormorants
4 Grey Herons
2 Greylag Geese
25 Canada Geese + the hybrid
30+ Mallards
Moorhens included juvenile on farmland ponds
30+ Black-headed Gulls
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
2 Common Terns
A few Swallows
1 Pied Wagtail
Grey Wagtails at the overflow tunnel
2 Stock Doves at the quarry
3 Great Crested Grebes
1 Cormorant
2 Grey Herons
12 Canada Geese + the hybrid
20+ Mallards
20+ Black-headed Gulls
1 Common Tern
10+ Swallows
1 Pied Wagtail
1 Meadow Pipit
1 Linnet
1 Curlew on the other side of Bradshaw Road
+ the usual residents
7 Great Crested Grebes
1 Cormorant
2 Grey Herons
19 Canada Geese + the hybrid
40+ Mallards
2 Moorhens
6 Black-headed Gulls
3 Swallows
1 Sparrowhawk
It sounds like the Pink-footed Geese did not stay long, just a brief rest before their long journey north. As I discussed the geese over a pint yesterday lunctime a mate who had gone to check for them yesterday morning said they had gone but there were 7 Ravens on the quarry banking. The other chap with us then said he must of only just missed me the day before as he wandered around with his wife. He knows what they look like and you could hardly miss them by the bridge, but they only saw Canada Geese and the hybrid.
Good Friday became Super Friday when I got to the top end of the reservoir. Two Pink-footed Geese with the Canada Geese & 5 Ravens on the quarry. Two of the Ravens stayed in the tree tops while the other three flew off. Two of them returned and then the four flew off towards Turton Golf Course.
Other birds this morning included :-
5 Great Crested Grebes
1 Cormorant
4 Grey Herons
30 Canada Geese + the hybrid
25+ Mallards
2 Moorhens
8 Black-headed Gulls
1 Common Tern
2 Stock Doves
1 Sand Martin
2 Swallows at Grange Farm stables & 2 at the farm up the access road (no problem with returning Swallows on my local patch)
2 Linnets on the fields between the access road & Walsh Fold, with lots of Rooks
I left the reservoir and headed over the fields towards the pill box on Chapeltown Road and was taken by surprise when a drake Goosander flew off the pond up there.
9 Great Crested Grebes
2 Cormorants
3 Grey Herons
19 Canada Geese + the hybrid
4 Moorhens
80+ Black-headed Gulls on the fields near Walsh Fold eventually moved down to the reservoir
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
1 Pheasant
24 Woodpigeons, 1 Stock Dove, 2 Collared Doves, 1 Tawny Owl near the information centre, 5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers
1 Swallow, 1 Pied Wagtail
Wrens (35) & Robins (29) everywhere + 6 Dunnocks
10 Blackbirds, 6 Song Thrushes, 2 Mistle Thrushes
3 Blackcaps, 5 Chiffchaffs, 3 Willow Warblers, 4 Goldcrests
2 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Coal Tits, 10+ Blue Tits & Great Tits, 6 Nuthatches, 1 Treecreeper
3 Jays, 10 Magpies, 4 Jackdaws, 25+ Carrion Crows, 1 Raven flying over, & Rooks heard calling from the rookery on Bradshaw Road
House Sparrows at Walsh Fold & up the access road
12 Chaffinches, 8 Greenfinches, 9 Goldfinches, & 2 Bullfinches
7 Great Crested Grebes
3 Cormorants
2 Grey Herons
15 Canada Geese + the hybrid
c25 Mallards
1 Kestrel
2 Moorhens
1 Lapwing + 1 Curlew on the farmland
20+ Black-headed Gulls
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
1 Common Tern on one of the buoys
Usual woodland birds including numerous Chiffchaffs but no sign of any other warblers
4 Great Crested Grebes
7 Cormorants
2 Grey Herons
25 Canada Geese
Numerous Mallards
2 Moorhens
1 Lapwing
10+ Black-headed Gulls
2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Dipper at the overflow
7 Great Crested Grebes
3 Cormorants
1 Grey Heron
28 Canada Geese + the hybrid
23 Mallards
1m Goosander flying over
1 Sparrowhawk
3 Buzzards
3 Moorhens
1 Coot
10 Black-headed Gulls
2 Lesser Black-backed gulls on the reservoir & a few passing over
2 Stock Doves, 40 Woodpigeons, & 2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers,
2 Grey Wagtails & 2 Pied Wagtails,
Lots of Wrens & Robins + a few Dunnocks,
11 Blackbirds, 6 Song Thrushes, & 4 Mistle Thrushes,
3 Chiffchaffs, 4 Goldcrests, 6 Nuthatches, & a Treecreeper,
Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, & Great Tits,
Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws, & Carrion Crows,
A few House Sparrows up the access road
Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Siskins, & Bullfinches,
5 Great Crested Grebes
5 Cormorants
2 Grey Herons
20 Canada Geese + the hybrid
c40 Mallards
1m Pochard
3 Moorhens
1 Coot
1 Curlew
10 Black-headed Gulls
2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
2m Reed Buntings at the pond near the pill box
5 Great Crested Grebes
7 Cormorants
1 Grey Heron
1 Mute Swan. Flew in from down Bradshaw Brook so is probably from the one from Firwood Lodges.
10 Canada Geese
50+ Mallards
1m Pochard
3 Moorhens
1 Coot
4 Lapwings
15 Black-headed Gulls
Numerous Lesser Black-backed Gulls flying over
2 Grey Wagtails on the stream by Horrobin Lane
5 Great Crested Grebes
3 Cormorants
15 Canada Geese
Numerous Mallards
1m Pochard
Pair of Goosanders
4 Moorhens
4 Lapwings
1 Curlew
40+ Black-headed Gulls
8 Great Crested Grebes
2 Cormorants
2 Grey Herons
30 Canada Geese + the hybrid goose
50+ Mallards
1m Pochard
4 Moorhens
1 Coot
3 Lapwings
20+ Black-headed Gulls
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull flying over
1 Meadow Pipit
1 Chiffchaff
2 Ravens
I heard Ravens over my garden at 7.20am as I went out to top up the garden feeders/table. A definite pair and possibly 3 others. I doubted myself that so many would fly oyer together and not having binoculars handy I guessed that some of them may have been Crows. It all became clearer later on at Jumbles.
About 9am I watched two pairs of Ravens fly into Jumbles and watched them fly around for a while. After they landed I saw 3 on a pylon near the railway and then they flew off down the Bradshaw Valley with another one from the trees behind the pylon. I did not think both pairs had gone onto that side of the reservoir and I soon heard the other pair calling from a pylon on the Bradshaw Road side, so there were actually six birds, and I presume this was the flock over my house earlier. The Bradshaw Road side pair was still flying around when I left.
6 Great Crested Grebes
4 Cormorants
3 Grey Herons
33 Canada Geese + the hybrid
50+ Mallards
1m Pochard
5 Moorhens
1 Coot
2 Lapwings
2 Curlews
30+ Black-headed Gulls (still checking them all for a Med Gull and still waiting for one)
1 Sparrowhawk
2 Buzzards
20+ Siskins at the Chapeltown Road car park
1 Reed Bunting at the pond near the pill box on Chapeltown Road
+ all the other regular species
8 Great Crested Grebes
7 Cormorants
1 Grey Heron flying over
27 Canada Geese + the hybrid
53 Mallards, 1m Pochard, Pair of Tufted Ducks
5 Moorhens, 1 Coot
30+ Black-headed Gulls, 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
1 Buzzard
3 Pheasants
4 Lapwings, 1 Curlew
19 Woodpigeons
2 Tawny Owls calling from the top of the quarry
5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers
2 Grey Wagtails, 3 Pied Wagtails
Lots of Wrens, Dunnocks, & Robins
17 Blackbirds, c130 Redwings, 6 Song Thrushes, 2 Mistle Thrushes
4 Goldcrests
8 Long-tailed Tits, 4 Coal Tits, 20+ Blue Tits, & 20+ Great Tits
4 Nuthatches, 3 Treecreepers
7 Jays (including a flock of 5 birds), 8 Magpies, 20+ Jackdaws, 36 Rooks (feeding on the field by Bradshaw Road), & 7 Carrion Crows
1 Starling & 4 House Sparrows
10+ Chaffinches, 8 Greenfinches, 10+ Goldfinches, 1 Siskin, 4 Bullfinches
9 Great Crested Grebes
4 Cormorants
2 Grey Herons
15 Canada Geese
Numerous Mallards
1m Pochard
5 Moorhens
2 Coots
30+ Black-headed Gulls
1 Kingfisher
6 Great Crested Grebes
29 Canada Geese + the hybrid
Numerous Mallards
1m Pochard
5 Moorhens
2 Coots
2 Lapwings
1 Buzzard
10 Black-headed Gulls
1 Dipper on the overflow pipies
60+ Redwings
8 Great Crested Grebes
1 Cormorant
Only 1 Grey Heron on the reservoir, and a couple passing over
2 Mute Swans. Left the reservoir at 8.50 and flew down the valley
25 Canada Geese + the hybrid goose
65 Mallards
1m Pochard
1m Goldeneye. Flew in and left after about 20 minutes
5 Moorhens
3 Coots
30+ Black-headed Gulls
1 Common Gull
1 Buzzard at the top end as usual
1 Sparrowhawk very high up
An Oystercatcher flew in from down the valley, circled around the reservoir, and then headed off towards Wayoh
4 Lapwings on farmland
90+ Woodpigeons, lots of them passing through. Pair of Collared Doves on Grange Road.
1 Tawny Owl calling from the top of the quarry again
2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers
1 Grey Wagtail at the bottom end of the reservoir & 2 more at the top end
1 Pied Wagtail up the access road
Lots of Wrens, Dunnocks, & Robins
19 Blackbirds, 50+ Redwings (Grange Road), 9 Song Thrushes, & 3 Mistle Thrushes
5 Goldcrests
Numerous pairs of Long-tailed Tits, pair of Coal Tits, & lots of Blue Tits and Great Tits
Only 2 Nuthatches seen and no Treecreepers (they must have been somewhere)
11 Jays (including a flock of 7 birds), 11 Magpies, 6 Jackdaws, 20 Carrion Crows. Rooks could be heard calling at the rookery on Bradshaw Road
3 Starlings, 2 House Sparrows
12 Chaffinches, 10+ Greenfinches, 10+ Goldfinches, 4 Bullfinches
10 Great Crested Grebes
3 Grey Herons
37 Canada Geese
2 Greylag Geese. They flew in with some of the Canada Geese & the hybrid.
55 Mallards
1m Pochard
3 Moorhens
3 Coots
20+ Black-headed Gulls
2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
1 Buzzard
1 Grey Wagtail
7 Great Crested Grebes
1 Cormorant
5 Grey Herons
26 Canada Geese
78 Mallards
1m Pochard
3m + 1f Tufted Ducks
4 Moorhens
30+ Black-headed Gulls
Pair of Buzzards perched in trees. If they are supposed to be such a threat to Pheasants why did they totally ignore the delicious looking cock bird immediately below them ?
1 Kestrel flushed 70+ Redwings from near the information centre. Another 50+ Redwings were along Grange Road.
I watched a Kingfisher fly across the top end of the reservoir whilst listening to a Tawny Owl calling from the top of the quarry.
A Dipper flew past the Horrobin Lane car park towards the stream by Horrobin Lane before flying back past a few minutes later heading for the top end of the reservoir.
6 Great Crested Grebes
1 Cormorant
2 Grey Herons on the reservoir & 2 flying over
32 Canada Geese + the hybrid
66 Mallards
1m Pochard
4 Moorhens
30+ Black-headed Gulls
3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flying over
Pair of Buzzards flying around together at the top end
A Peregrine & a Kestrel very high up
A distant Curlew heard from the direction of Turton Golf Course
5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers
Grey Wagtail & Pied Wagtail up the access road
3 Fieldfares between Walsh Fold & Bradshaw Road
100+ Redwings along Grange Road & 50+ near the information centre
5 Great Crested Grebes
4 Grey Herons
39 Canada Geese + the hybrid goose
Numerous Mallards
1m Pochard
1 Buzzard
3 Moorhens
30+ Black-headed Gulls
1 Common Gull
6 Great Crested Grebes
2 Cormorants
1 Grey Heron
One pair of Canada Geese + the injured one
A Greylag Goose flew in and joined the pair of Canada Geese
68 Mallards
1m Pochard
4 Moorhens
50+ Black-headed Gulls
1 Common Gull
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull passing over
5 Herring Gulls soaring around very high up
1 Pheasant, 60+ Woodpigeons, & 2 Collared Doves
2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers
2 Pied Wagtails up the access road
2 Grey Wagtails & 2 Dippers by the footbridge at the overflow
Wrens, Dunnocks, & Robins
10 Blackbirds, 7 Song Thrushes, & 2 Mistle Thrushes
Redwings all over the place. Grange Road, Horrobin Lane, Walsh Fold, near the main car park, and along Bradshaw Brook.
2 Goldcrests at the top end, & 2 Treecreepers at Horrobin car park
Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits, & Nuthatches
3 Jays, 11 Magpies, 50+ Jackdaws, 30+ Rooks, & 10 Carrion Crows
A pair of House Sparrows up the access road and unusually one on the toilet block at the main car park
Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Siskins, & Bullfinches
As I was checking the Grey Herons on the reservoir (only 3 this morning), through the fence by the entrance gate to Grange Farm, I saw two Shelducks flying off the reservoir (10.07am). They continued their flight over Bromley Cross.
Other reservoir birds :-
4 Great Crested Grebes
2 Cormorants
5 Canada Geese
Numerous Mallards
1m Pochard
1m Goldeneye
2 Moorhens
30+ Black-headed Gulls
1 Common Gull
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull passing over
6 Great Crested Grebes
6 Grey Herons
31 Canada Geese, plus the injured one, and the hybrid
Numerous Mallards
1m Pochard
4 Moorhens
c75 Black-headed Gulls
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
3 Common Gulls
I finished off by checking the field by Grange Road. No Redwings or wagtails, and only one bird on the field. It was a Pink-footed Goose though, and a great way to finish the day.
A pile of muck/straw from the stables also attracted a couple of Grey Wagtails & a Pied Wagtail to the Redwing flock.
On the reservoir :-
6 Great Crested Grebes
3 Grey Herons
29 Canada Geese + the hybrid
90 Mallards
1m Pochard
6 Moorhens
60+ Black-headed Gulls
3 Common Gulls
Suddenly gone from a local mega to common, and for once I can keep both county recorders happy !
Neither of them missing out this time.
I estimated about 90 birds along Grange Road this morning as I headed for the reservoir, and as I walked up the access road about an hour later I saw another 100+. Boths flocks seemed to be heading towards Bradshaw Lodges. A few more were between Walsh Fold & Bradshaw Road.
In the afternoon as I crossed Ousel Nest Meadow I heard a Fieldfare calling so I followed the call to add to the morning sightings. It took me back to Grange Road where I found almost 300 Redwings on the field between the road & the railway line, plus one Fieldfare. It looks like the morning flocks had merged together.
Others seen today :-
6 Great Crested Grebes
1 Cormorant
5 Grey Herons
17 Canada Geese + the hybrid which has been missing for quite a while
67 Mallards
5 Moorhens
40+ Black-headed Gulls
13 Feral Pigeons & 40+ Woodpigeons
5 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, including 3 squabbling away in a tree where 3 Mistle Thrushes were doing the same. Sometimes 3 into 2 does not go.
1 Pied Wagtail
Wrens, Dunnocks, Robins, Blackbirds, & Song Thrushes
1 Goldcrest
Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits, & Nuthatches
Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws, Rooks, Carrion Crows, & House Sparrows at Walsh Fold
Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, & Bullfinches
5 Great Crested Grebes
2 Cormorants
9 Grey Herons
1 Canada Goose, the bird with damaged wings
77 Mallards
1m Goldeneye
7 Moorhens
40+ Black-headed Gulls
Pair of Dippers near the footbridge at the overflow & one at the top end of the reservoir
4 Great Crested Grebes
9 Grey Herons
20 Canada Geese (the bird with the injured wings still does not mix with the other geese)
Numerous Mallards
2 Moorhens
60+ Black-headed Gulls
1 Common Gull
5 Great Crested Grebes
2 Cormorants
12 Grey Herons
22 Canada Geese
79 Mallards
2 Buzzards in The Horrobin Lane area
2 Moorhens
70+ Black-headed Gulls
3 Common Gulls
9 Feral Pigeons
c65 Woodpigeons
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker at Ousel Nest Meadow
Only 1 Wren seen, none heard surprisingly
4 Dunnocks
18 Robins
11 Blackbirds
2 Redwings. One at Ousel Nest & one near Horrobin Lane
2 Goldcrests by the steps up to the car park
4 flocks of Long-tailed Tits
2 Coal Tits by Bradshaw Brook & the usual couple outside the information centre
23 Blue Tits
14 Great Tits
2 Nuthatches by Bradshaw Brook
2 Treecreepers by the footbridge over Bradshaw Brook at the overflow
3 Jays
18 Magpies
20+ Jackdaws
A couple of Rooks flying over
8 Carrion Crows
Numerous House Sparrows up the access road
13 Chaffinches
1 Greenfinch
30+ Goldfinches
6 Bullfinches
3 Great Crested Grebes
1 Cormorant
6 Grey Herons
10 Canada Geese
Numerous Mallards
1f Goosander
4 Moorhens
80+ Black-headed Gulls
6 Herring Gulls passing over
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
1 Common Gull
4 Great Crested Grebes
2 Cormorants
6 Grey Herons
5 Canada Geese
Numerous Mallards
1m Goosander
1 Moorhen
50+ Black-headed Gulls
A Dipper flew under the bridge at the top end
4 Great Crested Grebes
2 Cormorants
2 Grey Herons
5 Canada Geese
Numerous Mallards
3 Moorhens
40+ Black-headed Gulls
2 Common Gulls
4 Great Crested Grebes
5 Grey Herons
4 Canada Geese
100+ Mallards
Pair of Goosanders
A Buzzard flew up from the usual place near Horrobin Lane, then soared around for a few minutes, before heading off towards Hawkshaw
3 Moorhens
30+ Black-headed Gulls
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
2 Dippers on the weir at the top end
4 Great Crested Grebes
1 Cormorant
5 Grey Herons
16 Canada Geese
100+ Mallards
1 Buzzard being mobbed by Crows
1 Pheasant
2 Moorhens
50+ Black-headed Gulls
250+ Woodpigeons, including lots flying through
3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers
12 Wrens
2 Dunnocks
28 Robins. Seem to be everywhere again
14 Blackbirds
14 Redwings. A flock of 10 plus 4 individuals
2 Song Thrushes
5 Mistle Thrushes
2 Goldcrests
1 flock of Long-tailed Tits (10+)
2 Coal Tits
35 Blue Tits
15 Great Tits
4 Nuthatches
1 Treecreeper
5 Jays
18 Magpies
20+ Jackdaws
9 Carrion Crows
1 Raven
35 Starlings
2 House Sparrows
6 Chaffinches
5 Greenfinches
2 Goldfinches
6 Bullfinches
4 Great Crested Grebes
3 Cormorants
6 Grey Herons
3 Canada Geese
c80 Mallards
1f Tufted Duck
10 Goosanders flew from the reservoir towards Bradshaw
1 Buzzard flew in very low from the direction of Turton Golf Course
40+ Black-headed Gulls
1 Lesser Black-backed on the reservoir + 4 passing over
1 Great Black-backed Gull
51 Woodpigeons
2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers
4 Wrens
1 Dunnock
11 Robins
11 Blackbirds
5 Fieldfares
2 Redwings
1 Song Thrush
1 Goldcrest
1 flock of Long-tailed Tits
2 Coal Tits
10+ Blue Tits
2 Great Tits
5 Nuthatches
1 Treecreeper
3 Jays
17 Magpies
20+ Jackdaws
Rooks heard calling from Bradshaw Road
9 Carrion Crows
1 Starling
1 Dipper on the brook at the top end
5 Chaffinches
2 Greenfinches
6 Goldfinches
1 Siskin
6 Bullfinches
4 Great Crested Grebes
8 Cormorants
2 Grey Herons
1 Canada Goose (the injured bird)
100+ Mallards
1m Pochard
2f Tufted Ducks
3 Goosanders flew over me as I walked across Ousel Nest Meadow, followed soon after by 2 more. All of them had come off the reservoir and were heading towards Bradshaw.
30+ Black-headed Gulls
2 Great Crested Grebes
2 Grey Herons
3 Canada Geese
100+ Mallards
1m Pochard
4 Moorhens
30+ Black-headed Gulls
4 Lesser Black-backed Gulls passing over
2 Dippers on the weir at the north end
1 Fieldfare
25+ Rooks flying along Bradshaw Road towards Bradshaw Lodges
2 Great Crested Grebes
3 Cormorants
3 Grey Herons
15 Canada Geese
100+ Mallards
1m Pochard
7 Moorhens
100+ Black-headed Gulls as I left. Birds constantly flying in and out over the couple of hours I was there.
1 Common Gull
1 Fieldfare
1 Redwing
1 Dipper on Bradshaw Brook near the overflow
Other birds present on a fairly quiet morning :-
Woodpigeons, Collared Doves, Pied Wagtails, Wrens, Dunnocks, Robins, Blackbirds, Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits, Nuthatches, Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws, Carrion Crows, Starlings, House Sparrows, Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Siskins, Bullfinches.
Reservoir :-
2 Great Crested Grebes
1 Cormorant
1 Canada Goose at the yatch club
1 drake Tufted Duck
4 Moorhens
50+ Black-headed Gulls
1 Common Gull
1 Kingfisher by the bridge near the yatch club. When it saw me it flew up the brook towards Horrobin Fold
3 Fieldfares flying over
4 Siskins
Moss Hill Farm :-
1 Canada Goose, 17 Mallards, 1 Moorhen, 1 Meadow Pipit, 3 Mistle Thrushes.
Walsh Fold :-
13 Canada Geese.
Grange Road :-
c150 Woodpigeons flying over, 3 Redwings, 20+ Goldfinches.
3 Great Crested Grebes
1 Cormorant
1 Grey Heron
2 Canada Geese. One on the reservoir and the one with it's Mallard mates on farmland
80+ Mallards
4 Moorhens
50+ Black-headed Gulls
A flock of 12 Lesser Black-backed Gulls flew over followed soon after by 12 Herring Gulls heading in the same direction
3 Common Gulls
4 Feral Pigeons
26 Woodpigeons
2 Collared Doves
2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers
1 Meadow Pipit
1 Grey Wagtail
1 Pied Wagtail
9 Wrens
4 Dunnocks
12 Robins
13 Blackbirds
1 Song Thrush
1 Mistle Thrush
2 flocks of Long-tailed Tits
2 Coal Tits
14 Blue Tits
6 Great Tits
4 Nuthatches
1 Treecreeper
6 Jays
17 Magpies
6 Jackdaws
8 Carrion Crows
12 House Sparrows
8 Chaffinches
2 Greenfinches
4 Goldfinches
2 Siskins
6 Bullfinches
A Tawny Owl in a garden just off Ousel Nest Meadow attracted lots of attention, especially from Blackbirds. Without moving anywhere I also saw a Redwing, a couple of Mistle Thrushes, Wrens, Robins, Long-tailed Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits, a Nuthatch, a Treecreeper, Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws (flying over), Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, & Bullfinches.
Access Road & farmland :-
1 Moorhen, 1 Meadow Pipit, 1 Pied Wagtail, 14 House Sparrows.
Reservoir :-
2 Great Crested Grebes
1 Cormorant
1 Grey Heron
12 Canada Geese
40+ Mallards
3 Moorhens
50+ Black-headed Gulls
As soon as I got to the reservoir at about 9am I watched two Ravens fly across just above tree height. They continued their flight over Bromley Cross.
2 Great Crested Grebes
3 Cormorants
1 Grey Heron
14 Canada Geese at the yatch club as yesterday, and the usual one with Mallards on farmland ponds.
100+ Mallards
4 Moorhens
c75 Black-headed Gulls
2 Common Gulls
9 Feral Pigeons
20+ Woodpigeons
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
Wrens, Dunnocks, Robins, Blackbirds, Long-tailed Tits, Coal Tits, Blue Tits, Great Tits
1 Nuthatch
1 Dipper at the overflow
Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws, Rooks, Carrion Crows
Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Bullfinches
1 Great Crested Grebe
1 Cormorant
14 Canada Geese
Numerous Mallards
1 Sparrowhawk soaring around high up
2 Moorhens
50+ Black-headed Gulls
2 Great Crested Grebes
2 Cormorants
1 Grey Heron
3 Canada Geese. As usual one was with Mallards on farmland. Even when geese fly in it prefers the company of ducks.
100+ Mallards
5 Moorhens
50+ Black-headed Gulls
2 Common Gulls
1 Kingfisher
9 Feral Pigeons, 15 Woodpigeons
2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers
3 Pied Wagtails
Wrens, Dunnocks, Robins, Blackbirds. 1 Redwing.
Blue Tits, Great Tits, Nuthatches.
Jays, Magpies, Jackdaws, Rooks, Carrion Crows, House Sparrows.
Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Siskins, Bullfinches.
1 Great Crested Grebe
1 Cormorant
1 Grey Heron
14 Canada Geese
Only about 10 Mallards
2 Moorhens
30+ Black-headed Gulls
1 Buzzard passing over
When I got to the reservoir the first bird I saw was a Dipper flying from the reservoir down the embankment to Bradshaw Brook.
Not much on the reservoir :-
1 Great Crested Grebe
2 Cormorants
1 Grey Heron
5 Canada Geese
Numerous Mallards
1 Moorhen
50+ Black-headed Gulls
As I was finishing off here I was asked a few questions by a young school party out with their teachers. "Not much about" I told them, and then one little girl brightened things up by saying "there's a seagull, seagulls are well good". I couldn't argue with her.
5 Great Crested Grebes
4 Cormorants
26 Canada Geese
100+ Mallards
2 Moorhens
20+ Black-headed Gulls
5 Great Crested Grebes
3 Cormorants
2 Grey Herons
1 juvenile Mute Swan. Unusual species here and the first one since last January.
1 Canada Goose
100+ Mallards
1 Moorhen
20+ Black-headed Gulls
1 Lesser Black-backed Gull
1 Dipper on Bradshaw Brook