Dove Stone RSPB (including Binn Green and environs)
David Walsh said
Sun Nov 2 5:34 PM, 2014
I'd like to second Roger's comments about Steve and Mark, and I hope Master Rigby wasn't treated too badly after misidentifying the second bird as a Kestrel - he isn't the first, and won't be the last
I've never "twitched" anything in my life, but as this one was literally ten minutes away, I must admit to feeling a sinew or two flexing. During my several brief visits, viewed mainly further up from the madding crowd, from the solitude of the Isle of Skye car park on the county boundary, it appeared that the birds tended to split up, with one performing for the gallery over the heather sacks, while the other drifted over north towards Diggle and Brun Clough, out of sight of the road. Such a distinctive flight behaviour - brilliant!
Other sightings -
5 Kestrel 1 Peregrine 1 Common Buzzard 39 Red Grouse (I counted them!)
Ollie Wright said
Sun Nov 2 4:53 PM, 2014
Superb views of Rough-legged Buzzard today - lots of birders present, nice to see Steve Burke again.
Many thanks for the info!
Steven Nelson said
Sun Nov 2 4:25 PM, 2014
11.30am-12.30pm Great views of 1 Rough-legged Buzzard throughout this time from the white sacks. The bird was briefly joined by the second bird as it drifted over the top end of Dovestone valley for a few seconds when both birds were mobbed by a Peregrine. The second bird dropped back into the valley and out of view and the first bird returned back to its usual area showing really well. It also landed on the ground for a few seconds. Lifer for me!
Also: 3 Red Grouse 1 Kestrel
JOHN TYMON said
Sun Nov 2 4:16 PM, 2014
Pm Rough-legged Buzzards -2 juv both still in area by white bags above Binn Green up to 15.00,one mainly sticking to the valley to the south and the other more mobile. Merlin-1 fem seen twice Raven-1 Kestrel-2 Peregrine-1
munsworth said
Sun Nov 2 3:25 PM, 2014
1-2pm today Rough legged Buzzard affording excellent views from the "white sacks" lay-by. Gliding around above the moor and reservoir often hovering for minutes at a time. Thanks to those who found the bird and previous posts for the excellent directions
Cheers Mike
-- Edited by munsworth on Sunday 2nd of November 2014 03:26:10 PM
Chris Greene said
Sun Nov 2 12:18 PM, 2014
Spectacular views of one of the Rough Legged Buzzards this morning, for a good twenty minutes or so. The bird spending good periods hanging effortlessly in the air, making it easy to observe many of it's distinguishing features. Nice to see some familiar faces up there! However the morning was somewhat spoiled , as a Pheasant " fell out of the sky ! " just in front of the car ,on the drive back down to Dovestones Cheers Chris.
Roger Baker 3 said
Sun Nov 2 11:29 AM, 2014
Re ROUGH-LEGGED BUZZARD.
Just to say thanks to Steve Suttill for posting the original find on Friday ...... to Mark Rigby for re-locating them on Saddleworth Moor and to young Master Rigby for pointing out No2 bird.
Made a good week-end for many.
Roger.
-- Edited by Roger Baker 3 on Sunday 2nd of November 2014 01:10:14 PM
Karen Foulkes said
Sun Nov 2 8:17 AM, 2014
With Simon Ghilks and Paul Hammond
Excellent views of both juvenile Rough-legged Buzzards this morning between 0810 and 0835 by the white roadside bags, with one of the birds hanging directly overhead in the wind.
Also 35 Fieldfare and 70 Pink-footed Geese
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Sunday 2nd of November 2014 08:21:06 AM
Rob Creek said
Sat Nov 1 9:20 PM, 2014
Andy Bissitt wrote:
I was glad I saw them in poor weather, it sort of made it seem like a great expedition to the wild end of the world. What it's all about.
That made me chuckle Andy, for all intents and purposes we could've been in the Cairngorms it felt that wild!
Rob Creek said
Sat Nov 1 9:08 PM, 2014
Approx 1.45 - 4.45pm
Firstly at the red tarmac lay-by... nice to chat with the 3 birders and learn a few things about 'Honey Buzzards' and then came yet another Lifer for me, although distant towards the mast to the north, one of the Rough-legged Buzzards was circling low over the ridge, and the first thing that sprung to mind was that it looked similar to a Marsh Harrier in flight. The bird showed on and off for a few minutes then disappeared.
Good to meet Andy Bissitt again who'd walked from Binn Green. I decided to take a chance on a bit of room being available up near the Heather sacks so the pair of us got in my car and I drove up, no problem, I found a spot!
Within minutes a single Rough-legged Buzzard flying fairly low against the Heather. This time a lot closer and one of the main features stood out straight away, very pale tail with the darkish tip, then it flew up almost vertically and showed its pale underside and the dark carpul areas and dark primaries, which ironically were quite long, the wings also seem quite long too. We looked at each other and said virtually the same thing, 'that confirms it!'
The bird then glided down right over the edge of Yeoman's Hey Res right where we were earlier, it was suddenly joined by what we think was a Common Buzzard as it was slightly smaller and didn't seem to have any stand out features, but there was a rain mist building and we lost sight of them. We decided to brave the mini storm, the wind was cold and piercing, and made the rain showers feel like mini pellets, but after 10 minutes respite in the car, it cleared and almost immediately both Rough-legged Buzzards appeared together then split up, one just vanished down the valley but the other bird treated us to close fly-overs right over my car. This bird was doing a lot of wind hanging, then moving a few feet on, then hanging again.
Both birds showed fairly well on and off for a good while before disappearing and not showing for a good 10-15 mins so that was the cue to go. Whilst we were there we also saw one of the birds being mobbed repeatedly by a Kestrel, despite being totally dwarfed by the R-l-Buzzard. It was also briefly mobbed by another raptor that we both agreed was a Merlin, looked smaller than the Kestrel, it was brown grey in colour so either fem or juv, and it took off at high speed when it had finished having a go at the R-l-Buzzard.
Absolutely made up with today's sightings and Andy said he couldn't have imagined getting a close up like we did. But it seems other lucky birders were also blessed with same.
2 Rough-legged Buzzards (Lifers) 1 Common Buzzard 1 Merlin (fem or Juv) 4 Kestrel (could be duplicates) 3 Raven Plenty of Jackdaw Lots of Pheasant 1 Common Snipe flushed by a landing Pheasant 3 Goldfinch Flock of approx 10 Skylark 1 Jay at Binn Green car park along with a Wren
Plenty of Red Grouse too! The flushers and the shooters were out in force earlier on when I get there. Poor birds!
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Saturday 1st of November 2014 09:10:17 PM
Andy Bissitt said
Sat Nov 1 9:01 PM, 2014
Saw two rough-legs (well four actually, but you know what I mean) from the heather filled white bags looking back towards Chew Valley, at times in pretty poor weather conditions - driving drizzle and a valley-funnelled gale. One particularly showed well doing a circuit of our position down to about 60-70 meters, almost at eye level. One bird was 'mobbed' occasionally by a kestrel and later a merlin. They were on view until about 4.00 p.m. Thanks to Rob Creek without whom I might have been struggling for precise whereabouts of the birds, and then for the lift up the road to the bags, shelter when the rain got too heavy, and the ride back to Binn Green afterwards. I was glad I saw them in poor weather, it sort of made it seem like a great expedition to the wild end of the world. What it's all about.
Paul Heaton said
Sat Nov 1 8:14 PM, 2014
Just thought I would add that a considerable number of Grouse were seen today counts of at least 20 plus, sadly trying to get away from the guns ;-( 2 Treecreeper and large numbers of Goldfinch, Blue Tit Great Tit Long Tailed Tit, Chaffinch around the feeders near Binn Green car park.
Keep Birding.
Simon Warford said
Sat Nov 1 5:26 PM, 2014
Between 12:30 and 14:45 with Andy Makin, 2 juvenile Rough-legged Buzzards showing very well on and off, one frequenting the area 100 yards behind the white roadside bags and one further up the road on the right, both allowing some great views. Another birder was pretty convinced he'd seen an adult, so could be more than two birds in the area.
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Nov 1 11:32 AM, 2014
Originally posted by Mark Burgess today:
Rough-Legged Buzzard still present at 8.45am, Viewed 800m further up the road from the Red tarmac lay-by. Other birders present reported that 2 birds were seen earlier. Nice to meet and chat with Jonathon Platt.
Chris Harper said
Sat Nov 1 10:55 AM, 2014
2 Rough Legged Buzzard seen above Green Binns car park at 9.55. Viewed from area with many white soil sacks above ridge to the East.
Karen Foulkes said
Sat Nov 1 10:29 AM, 2014
0700-0905
Roger Baker and I were informed upon arrival this morning by Jonathan Platt that there was a Rough-legged Buzzard heading down the valley towards us. We located the bird along with the second bird. A third bird, a Common Buzzard was also present too.
We walked up the road towards the area where the birds were and obtained better views. The best views were higher up the road still where one of the birds was hovering relatively close to us.
Ringtail Hen Harrier seen briefly and Merlin also reported in the area.
Several Fieldfare left the moor first thing.
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Saturday 1st of November 2014 10:31:41 AM
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Nov 1 10:17 AM, 2014
Both Rough-legged Buzzards still showing at 10am.
Park in the Binn Green car park and walk up the road for approximately two miles until you reach a very obvious large pile of white sacks by the side of the road. This is currently the best vantage point for seeing the birds.
Info thanks to John Rayner
Ian McKerchar said
Sat Nov 1 7:22 AM, 2014
Two Rough-legged Buzzards still present just north of Binn Green this morning; currently just off Holmfirth Road by the red tarmac car park just north of the Binn Green car park at 07:10.
Info thanks to Jonathon Platt
Bernard McGurrin said
Tue Oct 21 5:20 PM, 2014
Hi Rob I seem to recall a spring/autumn watch programme a couple of years back filmed in Scotland where crossbill were shown quite often on feeders,
Rob Creek said
Tue Oct 21 1:55 PM, 2014
Hi Jamie, Exactly what I thought at the time as they've not exactly got the bill for it. That's what it looked like though, it was a more obvious red shade than the pinkish red of a male Chaffinch which is what I thought at first, but as it was spooked by the dog I have no photographic proof, a lot of the birds at the feeders are flitting to and fro constantly but this one stayed put for a few seconds at least.
JamieDunning said
Tue Oct 21 11:57 AM, 2014
It would be very unusual to see one on the feeders Rob would great of they were using them.
Rob Creek said
Sun Oct 19 9:06 PM, 2014
This afternoon, also in showers and force 10 gales!
Sorry I missed you Steve, poor signal up there. No Ring Ouzel's for me unfortunately.
Binn Green... -2 Great Spotted Woodpecker -2 Nuthatch -1 Treecreeper -Goldfinch and Siskin party moved through -Coal Tit approx 8 or 9 -1 Kestrel -Plenty of usuals -also not entirely 100% sure but thought I saw a male Common Crossbill on one of the feeders, but no sooner had I reached for the camera, a dog walker let his dog off the lead and it ran right past the feeding station flushing most of the birds. The guy just looked at me and carried on like there was nothing wrong. Needless to say it didn't show again.
Full circuit of Dovestone Res produced very little, on...around...and over the Res. -1 Kestrel -few Carrion Crow -few Mallard -few Black-headed Gull -6 Meadow Pipits -several Goldcrest in the low shrubbery could be heard but only glimpses of them as they flit between the twigs.
steven burke said
Sun Oct 19 8:15 PM, 2014
11-3.30pm getting caught in a couple of showers.
I managed to eventually get in the blustery winds 2 ring ouzels, both males, one flew overhead in the area Kerry mentions ridge/crag past greenfield reservoir it gained height & landed on the rocks at the top of the cliff face & then headed straight down the valley. the other was on the rocks of the crag but soon lost to view. at least 4 dippers seen on my travels around 1 peregrine falcon 1 buzzard 1 sparrowhawk 4-6 kestrel 2 raven 5 red legged partridge 155 mallard on yeoman hay 1 great spotted woodpecker 3 nuthatch plenty of goldcrest all around several siskins also plus the usuals
John Doherty said
Sat Oct 18 7:56 PM, 2014
5 Ring Ouzels this evening above Yeoman Hay - not the best views, mainly flushed (sheltering from the wind) individuals, one showed in the light, but not great) but, hey, a great end to a nice warm day and a lifer as well
kerry skelhorn said
Fri Oct 17 1:31 PM, 2014
11:30 am At least 8 ring ouzel on ridge/crag past top res (Greenfield res) !!!
Also, one wheatear, one buzzard flew over & 3 or 4 kestrels hunting along the ridge & occasionally flushing the ring ouzels. Dipper heard below Greenfield res.
Steve Suttill said
Thu Oct 2 6:13 PM, 2014
Walk from Dove Stone Resr. up to Chew Resr. and back with Dave Sanderson, then back along moor edge to Mossley. Fantastic weather!
Chew Valley was very quiet - hopes of migrant Ring Ouzel soon vanished. Peregrine and at least 3 Kestrel.
Water level on Chew Resr. very low. 6 Teal. Sleeping wader on far shore had to remain unidentified without a 'scope, but it didn't seem to have a buff breast! Wheatear struggling with a very hairy caterpillar provided some entertainment. Plenty of vocal Red Grouse.
had a walk up to chew res & across the moor (never been up on the moor).. 3 common sandpipers on chew res 3 red grouse
plus plenty of the usuals all around.
-- Edited by steven burke on Sunday 29th of June 2014 10:24:39 PM
Simon Gough said
Sat May 31 7:42 PM, 2014
Enjoyable visit today, met John Spalding and had a nice chat. Nesting birds all over the place, the epitome of spring, brilliant.
Sightings: Raven heard only Oystercatcher 4 over Grey Wagtail 3 Common Sandpiper Great Spotted Woodpecker male Mistle Thrush 6 Tawny Owl Coal Tit 5-6 Buzzard Peregrine - mobbing the Buzzard Cuckoo 2 male and female Reed Bunting male Dipper (on Chew Brook in the woods back down the valley heading into Greenfield) Many Meadow Pipit, Blue and Great Tit, Jackdaw, Wren
John, the cuckoo started calling within about 2 minutes of you heading off! Unlucky or what?
JSPALDING said
Mon May 26 11:34 AM, 2014
Two or possibly three cuckoos calling this morning.
Rob Creek said
Sat Apr 19 7:56 PM, 2014
Quick visit to Binn Green with pal Stephen Ellison.
Unfortunately the Two-Barred Crossbill and Common Crossbill sidekicks didn't show whilst we were there. However birds of note: 2 Peregrine A few Raven Siskin plus usuals
Laurence Hopkins said
Fri Apr 18 9:00 PM, 2014
Thanks for the help Rob, much appreciated. Brilliant bird!
JSPALDING said
Fri Apr 18 11:54 AM, 2014
Two-barred crossbill in the Larch next to the viewing platform at 10-30 am, a pair of stonechats on the track up to Chew. No sign of Ring Ouzel this morning.
-- Edited by JSPALDING on Friday 18th of April 2014 11:55:03 AM
Chris Harper said
Fri Apr 18 11:24 AM, 2014
Should have also mentioned that just before it came to drink it was singing away in a larch all by itself. Sounded like a siskin on steroids a bit. :)
Rob Creek said
Thu Apr 17 9:07 PM, 2014
No probs Bernard glad you got to see it, and I'm pleased for everyone else to get their lifer too including Laurence, Chris and Vicky. It's well worth the trip when it shows!
Chris Harper said
Thu Apr 17 6:56 PM, 2014
They came for a drink at 3.45 and as a group flew across the reservoir. Showed for a good 50 mins. Lovely to meet Chris G and the other birders and a relief after leaving yesterday at 3.35 only to hear it showed up 5 mins later. Superb views and a lifer for myself and Vicky Sumner.
Chris Greene said
Thu Apr 17 5:35 PM, 2014
Walk up to a very breezy Chew Res. this lunchtime, highlights: Male Ring Ouzel, calling from tree in ravine, approx. third of way up the path to Chew. 4 stunning Male Wheatears. Male Reed Bunting near small pool on right of path. 3 Red Grouse. Uncounted Meadow Pipits Buzzard drifted over. Then onto Binn Green for excellent views of the male Two-Barred Crossbill ,plus approximately 10 Common Crossbills. Nice to meet Chris Harper and missus, plus the other Manchester Birders present. Cheers Chris.
Bernard McGurrin said
Thu Apr 17 4:59 PM, 2014
Laurence Hopkins wrote:
Thanks Chris. Myself and Bernard (good to meet you!) found it with the crossbills in the larch trees. They seem to be doing a round circuit of the area, appearing in the larch trees every 20 minutes or so. Siskin present at the feeder too.
Yes good to meet you Laurence, and thanks for the directions Rob although i did park at the reservoir and walk up they were very helpful when i got to the right spot, 2 barred crossbill a lifer for me, a goldcrest was knocking about as well as coal tits, on steep grassed reservoir bank plenty of meadow pipit, 12 jackdaw and a single rook,
Laurence Hopkins said
Thu Apr 17 3:51 PM, 2014
Thanks Chris. Myself and Bernard (good to meet you!) found it with the crossbills in the larch trees. They seem to be doing a round circuit of the area, appearing in the larch trees every 20 minutes or so. Siskin present at the feeder too.
Chris Harper said
Thu Apr 17 3:19 PM, 2014
Twi barred crossbill currently showing very well in larches to left of viewing platform at binn green. With 6 common crossbill.
Rob Creek said
Wed Apr 16 7:04 PM, 2014
Laurence Hopkins wrote:
Thanks Rob, i was looking in the conifers right at the top of the reservoir! Still, it was a good walk on a nice day....... Will give it a go again tomorrow. Thanks for your help!
No problem at all, you don't have to walk far to see it (when it shows). Hope you get it, it's a stunning bird!
Laurence Hopkins said
Wed Apr 16 7:00 PM, 2014
Thanks Rob, i was looking in the conifers right at the top of the reservoir! Still, it was a good walk on a nice day....... Will give it a go again tomorrow. Thanks for your help!
Rob Creek said
Wed Apr 16 6:53 PM, 2014
Laurence Hopkins wrote:
Hi. I went to Binn Green today to see the Crossbill, but couldn't find where it was to be seen. Where is the viewing platform?
Hi Laurence, Very easy to locate this area assuming you're in the right area to begin with. You've carried on up the A635 Holmfirth Road passed the Dovestone Reservoir turn off on your right. About 1/3 mile up there is a lay-by on your right then a right turn into a small double car park. If you park in the lower one, you have the feeders virtually right infront of you, if you look through the trees to the left of the feeders there is a squared off area with fencing that overlooks the valley and some large conifers. Stand here and look mainly to the left, there are some Larches that they favour, although looking at the posts this week it looks to be getting a bit braver and coming down for a drink, so it could be anywhere around that area, it stands out when you see it, the two bars unmistakable. Hope this helps! Cheers
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Wednesday 16th of April 2014 06:57:50 PM
Laurence Hopkins said
Wed Apr 16 6:28 PM, 2014
Hi. I went to Binn Green today to see the Crossbill, but couldn't find where it was to be seen. Where is the viewing platform?
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Apr 16 4:31 PM, 2014
The Two-barred Crossbill showed well at 3:40pm today for about 15 minutes from the larches around the viewing area.
Info thanks to John Doherty and Phil Kelly
Pat Griffin said
Wed Apr 16 12:31 PM, 2014
Glad to help Steve. I think all those present managed to get decent views of the Two-barred Crossbill. Most of us waited around for hours and I know several birdwatchers were on a repeat visit in the hope of seeing it!
Dave Colton said
Wed Apr 16 11:00 AM, 2014
I'm really glad you got it Steve after what happened Monday and great to meet you. I just need to nail that Common Crossbill now, went back last night and got a fleeting glimpse of what may have been one, but not 100% sure so will try again.
Steve Judge said
Wed Apr 16 10:49 AM, 2014
Massive thanks to Pat Griffin (hope I spelt this right!) who first spotted the Two-barred Crossbill yesterday hidden away in the 1st larch to the right of the viewing platform (at Binn Green car park). It could have been there for a while as sun was making it extremely difficult to look into the tree. Thanks to her vigilance and attention to detail it helped make a lot of people very happy - with many 'lifers' being recorded. Well done Pat!
Doc Brewster said
Tue Apr 15 9:33 PM, 2014
Agree with Martyn, a cracking day with some brilliant company at a very warm & sunny Binn Green
Luckily I was one of the patient ones (I know you had other commitments really, Austin ) who saw the Two-barred Crossbill. Superb scope views but, as Martyn says, a wee bit hard to get good photos of as we were all looking into the sun at the bird. The three male Bramblings are in three states of breeding plumage with a very black-headed one, one with speckles in the black & a paler headed male. In addition to Martyn's list we had a male & female Bullfinch visiting the feeders too, as well as Greenfinches, giving a fantastic range of finch species in a very small area.
Martyn Jones said
Tue Apr 15 6:18 PM, 2014
Binn there, done that :)
A great day for me at Binn Green / Dovestones with Alan Wilcox, Paul Brewster, Andy Makin, Austin Morley and many other birders all waiting for the Two-barred Crossbill to show. Unfortunately after several hours a few people left only for the bird to finally show up around 3.00pm. Looks like afternoons are best as the bird was feeding for a good 20 minutes or so on the larch cones before coming down to a pool for a drink near the feeders and then giving us a fly past over the viewing platform and down towards the reservoir.
Unfortunately the little blighter was in the wrong tree (looking straight into the sun) for good photos but I've put some record shots on the Leigh Ornithological Society Facebook group page and my blog (addresses below).
We also had good views of a Ring Ouzel on the top of the conifers as seen across from the platform, and three different male Bramblings, a Willow Warbler, male and female Siskins, male and female Redpolls, Goldfinches, Chaffinches, Coal, Blue and Great Tits, and at least six feisty cock Pheasants at the feeders.
Ian McKerchar said
Tue Apr 15 4:19 PM, 2014
Two-barred Crossbill showing well at Binn Green car park viewing area today from 2-50pm until 3-20pm. The bird drank from a small pool adjacent to the feeding area (3 male Bramblings there) before it flew towards reservoir. Also Ring Ouzel seen by others.
I've never "twitched" anything in my life, but as this one was literally ten minutes away, I must admit to feeling a sinew or two flexing. During my several brief visits, viewed mainly further up from the madding crowd, from the solitude of the Isle of Skye car park on the county boundary, it appeared that the birds tended to split up, with one performing for the gallery over the heather sacks, while the other drifted over north towards Diggle and Brun Clough, out of sight of the road. Such a distinctive flight behaviour - brilliant!
Other sightings -
5 Kestrel
1 Peregrine
1 Common Buzzard
39 Red Grouse (I counted them!)
Many thanks for the info!
Great views of 1 Rough-legged Buzzard throughout this time from the white sacks. The bird was briefly joined by the second bird as it drifted over the top end of Dovestone valley for a few seconds when both birds were mobbed by a Peregrine. The second bird dropped back into the valley and out of view and the first bird returned back to its usual area showing really well. It also landed on the ground for a few seconds. Lifer for me!
Also:
3 Red Grouse
1 Kestrel
Rough-legged Buzzards -2 juv both still in area by white bags above Binn Green up to 15.00,one mainly sticking to the valley to the south and the other more mobile.
Merlin-1 fem seen twice
Raven-1
Kestrel-2
Peregrine-1
Rough legged Buzzard affording excellent views from the "white sacks" lay-by. Gliding around above the moor and reservoir often hovering for minutes at a time.
Thanks to those who found the bird and previous posts for the excellent directions
Cheers Mike
-- Edited by munsworth on Sunday 2nd of November 2014 03:26:10 PM
Cheers Chris.
Just to say thanks to Steve Suttill for posting the original find on Friday ...... to Mark Rigby for re-locating them on Saddleworth Moor and to young Master Rigby for pointing out No2 bird.
Made a good week-end for many.
Roger.
-- Edited by Roger Baker 3 on Sunday 2nd of November 2014 01:10:14 PM
Excellent views of both juvenile Rough-legged Buzzards this morning between 0810 and 0835 by the white roadside bags, with one of the birds hanging directly overhead in the wind.
Also 35 Fieldfare and 70 Pink-footed Geese
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Sunday 2nd of November 2014 08:21:06 AM
That made me chuckle Andy, for all intents and purposes we could've been in the Cairngorms it felt that wild!
Firstly at the red tarmac lay-by...
nice to chat with the 3 birders and learn a few things about 'Honey Buzzards' and then came yet another Lifer for me, although distant towards the mast to the north, one of the Rough-legged Buzzards was circling low over the ridge, and the first thing that sprung to mind was that it looked similar to a Marsh Harrier in flight. The bird showed on and off for a few minutes then disappeared.
Good to meet Andy Bissitt again who'd walked from Binn Green. I decided to take a chance on a bit of room being available up near the Heather sacks so the pair of us got in my car and I drove up, no problem, I found a spot!
Within minutes a single Rough-legged Buzzard flying fairly low against the Heather. This time a lot closer and one of the main features stood out straight away, very pale tail with the darkish tip, then it flew up almost vertically and showed its pale underside and the dark carpul areas and dark primaries, which ironically were quite long, the wings also seem quite long too. We looked at each other and said virtually the same thing, 'that confirms it!'
The bird then glided down right over the edge of Yeoman's Hey Res right where we were earlier, it was suddenly joined by what we think was a Common Buzzard as it was slightly smaller and didn't seem to have any stand out features, but there was a rain mist building and we lost sight of them.
We decided to brave the mini storm, the wind was cold and piercing, and made the rain showers feel like mini pellets, but after 10 minutes respite in the car, it cleared and almost immediately both Rough-legged Buzzards appeared together then split up, one just vanished down the valley but the other bird treated us to close fly-overs right over my car.
This bird was doing a lot of wind hanging, then moving a few feet on, then hanging again.
Both birds showed fairly well on and off for a good while before disappearing and not showing for a good 10-15 mins so that was the cue to go.
Whilst we were there we also saw one of the birds being mobbed repeatedly by a Kestrel, despite being totally dwarfed by the R-l-Buzzard. It was also briefly mobbed by another raptor that we both agreed was a Merlin, looked smaller than the Kestrel, it was brown grey in colour so either fem or juv, and it took off at high speed when it had finished having a go at the R-l-Buzzard.
Absolutely made up with today's sightings and Andy said he couldn't have imagined getting a close up like we did. But it seems other lucky birders were also blessed with same.
2 Rough-legged Buzzards (Lifers)
1 Common Buzzard
1 Merlin (fem or Juv)
4 Kestrel (could be duplicates)
3 Raven
Plenty of Jackdaw
Lots of Pheasant
1 Common Snipe flushed by a landing Pheasant
3 Goldfinch
Flock of approx 10 Skylark
1 Jay at Binn Green car park along with a Wren
Plenty of Red Grouse too! The flushers and the shooters were out in force earlier on when I get there. Poor birds!
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Saturday 1st of November 2014 09:10:17 PM
2 Treecreeper and large numbers of Goldfinch, Blue Tit Great Tit Long Tailed Tit, Chaffinch around the feeders near Binn Green car park.
Keep Birding.
Rough-Legged Buzzard still present at 8.45am, Viewed 800m further up the road from the Red tarmac lay-by.
Other birders present reported that 2 birds were seen earlier. Nice to meet and chat with Jonathon Platt.
Roger Baker and I were informed upon arrival this morning by Jonathan Platt that there was a Rough-legged Buzzard heading down the valley towards us. We located the bird along with the second bird. A third bird, a Common Buzzard was also present too.
We walked up the road towards the area where the birds were and obtained better views. The best views were higher up the road still where one of the birds was hovering relatively close to us.
Ringtail Hen Harrier seen briefly and Merlin also reported in the area.
Several Fieldfare left the moor first thing.
-- Edited by Karen Foulkes on Saturday 1st of November 2014 10:31:41 AM
Park in the Binn Green car park and walk up the road for approximately two miles until you reach a very obvious large pile of white sacks by the side of the road. This is currently the best vantage point for seeing the birds.
Info thanks to John Rayner
Info thanks to Jonathon Platt
I seem to recall a spring/autumn watch programme a couple of years back filmed in Scotland where crossbill were shown quite often on feeders,
Exactly what I thought at the time as they've not exactly got the bill for it. That's what it looked like though, it was a more obvious red shade than the pinkish red of a male Chaffinch which is what I thought at first, but as it was spooked by the dog I have no photographic proof, a lot of the birds at the feeders are flitting to and fro constantly but this one stayed put for a few seconds at least.
Sorry I missed you Steve, poor signal up there. No Ring Ouzel's for me unfortunately.
Binn Green...
-2 Great Spotted Woodpecker
-2 Nuthatch
-1 Treecreeper
-Goldfinch and Siskin party moved through
-Coal Tit approx 8 or 9
-1 Kestrel
-Plenty of usuals
-also not entirely 100% sure but thought I saw a male Common Crossbill on one of the feeders, but no sooner had I reached for the camera, a dog walker let his dog off the lead and it ran right past the feeding station flushing most of the birds. The guy just looked at me and carried on like there was nothing wrong. Needless to say it didn't show again.
Full circuit of Dovestone Res produced very little, on...around...and over the Res.
-1 Kestrel
-few Carrion Crow
-few Mallard
-few Black-headed Gull
-6 Meadow Pipits
-several Goldcrest in the low shrubbery could be heard but only glimpses of them as they flit between the twigs.
I managed to eventually get in the blustery winds 2 ring ouzels, both males, one flew overhead in the area Kerry mentions ridge/crag past greenfield reservoir it gained height & landed on the rocks at the top of the cliff face & then headed straight down the valley. the other was on the rocks of the crag but soon lost to view.
at least 4 dippers seen on my travels around
1 peregrine falcon
1 buzzard
1 sparrowhawk
4-6 kestrel
2 raven
5 red legged partridge
155 mallard on yeoman hay
1 great spotted woodpecker
3 nuthatch
plenty of goldcrest all around
several siskins also
plus the usuals
Also, one wheatear, one buzzard flew over & 3 or 4 kestrels hunting along the ridge & occasionally flushing the ring ouzels. Dipper heard below Greenfield res.
Chew Valley was very quiet - hopes of migrant Ring Ouzel soon vanished. Peregrine and at least 3 Kestrel.
Water level on Chew Resr. very low. 6 Teal. Sleeping wader on far shore had to remain unidentified without a 'scope, but it didn't seem to have a buff breast!
Wheatear struggling with a very hairy caterpillar provided some entertainment. Plenty of vocal Red Grouse.
2 raven
1 kestrel
5 willow warblers
1 dipper
4 stonechats
1 reed bunting
1 wheatear
8 jays
2 treecreepers
3 great spotted woodpeckers
6 swifts
7 swallows
2 pied wagtails
4 common sandpipers
3 goldcrests
had a walk up to chew res & across the moor (never been up on the moor)..
3 common sandpipers on chew res
3 red grouse
plus plenty of the usuals all around.
-- Edited by steven burke on Sunday 29th of June 2014 10:24:39 PM
Sightings:
Raven heard only
Oystercatcher 4 over
Grey Wagtail 3
Common Sandpiper
Great Spotted Woodpecker male
Mistle Thrush 6
Tawny Owl
Coal Tit 5-6
Buzzard
Peregrine - mobbing the Buzzard
Cuckoo 2 male and female
Reed Bunting male
Dipper (on Chew Brook in the woods back down the valley heading into Greenfield)
Many Meadow Pipit, Blue and Great Tit, Jackdaw, Wren
John, the cuckoo started calling within about 2 minutes of you heading off! Unlucky or what?
Unfortunately the Two-Barred Crossbill and Common Crossbill sidekicks didn't show whilst we were there.
However birds of note:
2 Peregrine
A few Raven
Siskin
plus usuals
-- Edited by JSPALDING on Friday 18th of April 2014 11:55:03 AM
Male Ring Ouzel, calling from tree in ravine, approx. third of way up the path to Chew.
4 stunning Male Wheatears.
Male Reed Bunting near small pool on right of path.
3 Red Grouse.
Uncounted Meadow Pipits
Buzzard drifted over.
Then onto Binn Green for excellent views of the male Two-Barred Crossbill ,plus approximately 10 Common Crossbills.
Nice to meet Chris Harper and missus, plus the other Manchester Birders present.
Cheers Chris.
Yes good to meet you Laurence, and thanks for the directions Rob although i did park at the reservoir and walk up they were very helpful when i got to the right spot, 2 barred crossbill a lifer for me, a goldcrest was knocking about as well as coal tits, on steep grassed reservoir bank plenty of meadow pipit, 12 jackdaw and a single rook,
No problem at all, you don't have to walk far to see it (when it shows).
Hope you get it, it's a stunning bird!
Will give it a go again tomorrow. Thanks for your help!
Hi Laurence,
Very easy to locate this area assuming you're in the right area to begin with. You've carried on up the A635 Holmfirth Road passed the Dovestone Reservoir turn off on your right. About 1/3 mile up there is a lay-by on your right then a right turn into a small double car park. If you park in the lower one, you have the feeders virtually right infront of you, if you look through the trees to the left of the feeders there is a squared off area with fencing that overlooks the valley and some large conifers. Stand here and look mainly to the left, there are some Larches that they favour, although looking at the posts this week it looks to be getting a bit braver and coming down for a drink, so it could be anywhere around that area, it stands out when you see it, the two bars unmistakable.
Hope this helps!
Cheers
-- Edited by Rob Creek on Wednesday 16th of April 2014 06:57:50 PM
Info thanks to John Doherty and Phil Kelly
Luckily I was one of the patient ones (I know you had other commitments really, Austin ) who saw the Two-barred Crossbill. Superb scope views but, as Martyn says, a wee bit hard to get good photos of as we were all looking into the sun at the bird. The three male Bramblings are in three states of breeding plumage with a very black-headed one, one with speckles in the black & a paler headed male. In addition to Martyn's list we had a male & female Bullfinch visiting the feeders too, as well as Greenfinches, giving a fantastic range of finch species in a very small area.
A great day for me at Binn Green / Dovestones with Alan Wilcox, Paul Brewster, Andy Makin, Austin Morley and many other birders all waiting for the Two-barred Crossbill to show. Unfortunately after several hours a few people left only for the bird to finally show up around 3.00pm. Looks like afternoons are best as the bird was feeding for a good 20 minutes or so on the larch cones before coming down to a pool for a drink near the feeders and then giving us a fly past over the viewing platform and down towards the reservoir.
Unfortunately the little blighter was in the wrong tree (looking straight into the sun) for good photos but I've put some record shots on the Leigh Ornithological Society Facebook group page and my blog (addresses below).
We also had good views of a Ring Ouzel on the top of the conifers as seen across from the platform, and three different male Bramblings, a Willow Warbler, male and female Siskins, male and female Redpolls, Goldfinches, Chaffinches, Coal, Blue and Great Tits, and at least six feisty cock Pheasants at the feeders.
Info thanks to Ken Haydock and Jill Mills