Pennine Bridleway between Carrbrook and Brushes. Very windy and quiet.
1 Kestrel 1 Buzzard, feeding in the fields 1 Mistle Thrush 12 House Sparrows Great and Blue Tits, and Dunnock, around the cottages 1 Red Grouse 1 Starling
Peregrine Falcon with prey over Ashton at 07.10 this morning.
David Walsh said
Mon Nov 6 1:43 PM, 2017
Monday 6th November 2017, 1.10pm
Printworks Road Pond.
1 drake Mandarin with 7 Mallard
David Walsh said
Sun Nov 5 2:13 PM, 2017
Sunday 5th November, 8.30 - 11.30am
Harrop Edge, around Paddock Farm, and the woods at Lower Roe Cross.
1 pair of Stonechat around Paddock Farm 20+ Redwing feeding on holly, in the almost complete absence of any other berries locally At least one Fieldfare mixed in 6 Mistle Thrush 1 Song Thrush c 20 Blackbirds 1 Goldcrest Flock of 6 Bullfinch 6 Chaffinch 1 Buzzard 2 Kestrel 1 Raven 2 Pied Wagtails 4 House Sparrows A flock of c80 Starlings feeding in the fields around Paddock Farm c 200 Canada Geese in the fields towards Hyde Road, Mottram At least 3 Rook feeding behind Cheetham Fold Farm, with Jackdaws and Carrion Crows
Attempted to count Magpies - 74
In the woods at Lower Roe Cross
1 male Great Spotted Woodpecker 2 Nuthatch Small mixed feeding flock, with several Goldcrest and Coal Tits
David Walsh said
Sat Nov 4 1:26 PM, 2017
Saturday 4th November 2017
Printworks Road, Heyrod, 10.30am
2 Coot were the only sign of life on the pond 5 Cormorant were perched together on a pylon 1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Nuthatch Couple of Mistle Thrush, and lots of Blackbirds
Huddersfield Road
As I was leaving the house, at 8.00am, a Sparrowhawk overhead was being noisily mobbed by two Black-headed Gulls
David Walsh said
Tue Oct 31 1:42 PM, 2017
Tuesday 31st October 2017, 1.15pm.
Printworks Road Pond, Heyrod.
1 drake Goosander 2 Coot
David Walsh said
Sun Oct 29 1:42 PM, 2017
Sunday 29th October 2017, 11.00am
Printworks Road, Heyrod
4 redhead Goosander on the pond 1 Coot Nuthatch Goldcrest Goldfinch
David Walsh said
Thu Oct 19 1:00 PM, 2017
Thursday 19th October 2017, 9.00 - 11.45am
Harrop Edge, Stalybridge, taking in Harrop Edge Road, Paddock Farm, and down to Edge Lane, via the woods at Lower Roe Cross.
Harrop Edge Road - particularly lively, for a change.
2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers 6 Redwing 20+ Blackbirds, seemed to be everywhere. 6 Bullfinch 4 Goldfinch 3 Dunnock 6+ Wren A flock of mixed Tits containing at least 16 Long-tailed Tits 1 Kestrel 1 Pied Wagtail
Around Paddock Farm.
2 Stonechat (male and female), catching flies. 4 Red-legged Partridge 2 Mistle Thrush 1 Pied Wagtail 2 Goldfinch A couple of Skylark heard calling, but not seen
In the woods.
1 Treecreeper 1 Nuthatch 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker Small flock of mixed Tits, containing mainly Coal Tits
Edge Lane.
1 Buzzard 1 Grey Heron c 30 House Sparrows around the houses
David Walsh said
Sun Oct 8 9:43 PM, 2017
Sunday 8th October 2017.
Redwing calling over Stalybridge buffet bar at 8.30pm, and Huddersfield Road, Stalybridge, between 9.00 and 9.30pm.
Karen Foulkes said
Sun Oct 8 4:32 PM, 2017
c25 Redwing flew over Crescent Road in Dukinfield towards Ashton late morning today
David Walsh said
Fri Oct 6 1:03 PM, 2017
Friday 6th October 2017, 9.30 - 11.45am
Around Harrop Edge, Stalybridge
1 female Stonechat was moving around the rough fields above Paddock Farm 10+ Goldfinch 2 Linnet over 2 Bullfinch 1 female Sparrowhawk 3 Raven, 2 over Gallows Clough, the other over Edge Lane 2 Chiffchaff 5 Pied Wagtails 15+ Meadow Pipits 1 Jay 15+ Robins, very much in evidence this morning, two of which were chasing the Stonechat.
On the way home, a Buzzard drifted around from Matley, over Mottram Road, and was harassed by two Carrion Crows. Eventually, another raptor came into view very high up, and joined in. My best guess would be a Peregrine, but it was too distant to be sure.
David Walsh said
Tue Oct 3 1:16 PM, 2017
Tuesday 3rd October 2017, 9.30 - 11.15am
Around Harrop Edge. Quiet, in very gusty conditions.
The main entertainment was watching two Nuthatches, in the shelter of the woods. They were constantly to and fro an old nest hole, presumably stashing seeds. 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 10 Meadow Pipit 6 Goldfinch 1 Linnet
Plenty of Canada Geese, Black-headed Gulls, Woodpigeon, and corvids around the fields, but not much else.
David Walsh said
Sun Oct 1 4:33 PM, 2017
Sunday 1st October 2017, 7.00 - 9.00am
Pennine Bridleway, between Shireclough and Millbrook.
A single Rook scavenging around Ashton bus station this morning.
Three Rook left a corvid roost on the Dukinfield/Ashton border yesterday morning.
David Walsh said
Thu Sep 21 1:20 PM, 2017
Thursday 21st September 2017, 9.15 - 11.30am
Pennine Bridleway, from Shireclough to Millbrook, before the rain.
1 Whinchat, feeding in a field of beet, at Shireclough 5 Stonechat, a pair and three well grown juveniles, one already with well developed male plumage. 1 Buzzard over Buckton Vale 1 Kestrel 4 Swallows 10+ Meadow Pipits 10 Goldfinch 2 Greenfinch 1 Lesser Redpoll over 1 Jay 1 Chiffchaff 3 Dunnock
David Walsh said
Sun Sep 17 12:21 PM, 2017
Sunday 17th September 2017, 9.30 - 11.30am.
Pennine Bridleway, from Shireclough to Millbrook, in cold, heavy drizzle.
2 Stonechat, a female and well grown juvenile, in the area of this year's nest site. 22 Mistle Thrush flew over from Millbrook towards Cowbury Dale 30+ Meadow Pipits, moving around in small flocks 20+ Goldfinch 1 Buzzard 8 Swallows
David Walsh said
Thu Sep 14 2:20 PM, 2017
Thursday 14th September 2017, 9.30am - 12.00pm.
Harrop Edge, Stalybridge, taking in the woods at Lower Roe Cross.
2 Ravens 1 male Kestrel 1 female Sparrowhawk, having a real go at the Kestrel 1 Buzzard A flock of 7 juvenile Linnet 15+ Goldfinch 25+ Meadow Pipits 2 Jay 1 Song Thrush 3 Chiffchaff 2 Willow Warblers 3 Swallows 94 Black-headed Gulls feeding in the fields
In the woods.
3 Nuthatch Several Goldcrest 6 Long-tailed Tits 2 Coal Tits, one storing food Great and Blue Tits Bullfinch calling 2 Chiffchaff 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
David Walsh said
Sun Sep 10 7:06 PM, 2017
Sunday 10th September 2017, 9.00 - 11.30am.
Harrop Edge, Stalybridge.
28 Linnet around Paddock Farm, mainly juveniles. c 30 Goldfinch feeding in the fields towards Hattersley roundabout. c 20 Meadow Pipits moving through south in threes and fours. 8 Swallows 2 House Martins 1 Pied Wagtail over 2 Ravens, constantly hassled by Jackdaws 1 Willow Warbler 1 Chiffchaff singing 1 Coal Tit c 70 Black-headed Gulls feeding in the fields towards the A57 c 160 Canada Geese in the same fields 6 House Sparrows
David Walsh said
Thu Sep 7 4:27 PM, 2017
Thursday 7th September 2017, 1.45 - 3.15pm
Harrop Edge, Stalybridge.
1 Buzzard 1 Little Owl 1 female Kestrel 1 female Sparrowhawk. 1 Raven, being harassed by Jackdaws. 2 Pied Wagtails c 50 Swallows feeding over towards Roe Cross 200+ Canada Geese feeding in the fields between Harrop Edge and the A57 Jackdaws and Woodpigeon in abundance.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 7th of September 2017 04:29:09 PM
David Walsh said
Sun Aug 27 1:21 PM, 2017
Sunday 27th August 2017, 10.00am - 12.00pm
Pennine Bridleway, Shireclough to Millbrook.
A female Sparrowhawk was patrolling the fences around Shireclough so, other than noisy corvids, not a lot showing. No sign of the Stonechat, the last sighting of which was of a male carrying food on 6th August (my last visit). 1 Kestrel 1 Little Owl 6 Mistle Thrush, including five together 40 Goldfinch 2 Coal Tit 12+ Swallows, including fledglings being fed on wires
Roger Baker 3 said
Fri Aug 18 10:32 AM, 2017
18th August. 09.00 hrs.
Buzzard circling and mewing over Mottram Road, Stalybridge.
Roger.
-- Edited by Roger Baker 3 on Friday 18th of August 2017 10:33:56 AM
Roger Baker 3 said
Thu Aug 17 4:15 PM, 2017
17th August.
Female Buzzard over Mottram Road, Stalybridge at 16.00 hrs.
Roger.
Roger Baker 3 said
Mon Aug 14 9:44 PM, 2017
14th August. 19.30 hrs.
Dukinfield.
c 15 House Martin over Cheetham Hill Road.
Roger.
Roger Baker 3 said
Wed Aug 2 5:24 PM, 2017
2nd August. 14.00 - 16.00 hrs.
Stalybridge. Harrop Edge.
Kestrel. 3. M + F + Juvenile. Goldfinch. 7. Meadow Pipit. 40+. Beginning to flock together. Two main groups counted 17 & 13. Song Thrush. House Sparrow .... small colony down near the stables.
Roger.
David Walsh said
Sun Jul 30 3:53 PM, 2017
Sunday 30th July 2017, 9.30 - 11.30am
Pennne Bridleway, between Shireclough and Higher Hyde Green
The highlight was the discovery of a pair of Stonechat, with at least one juvenile, in what, for me, is a new territory. I have only ever seen a single male of this species in this area, on 5th March this year. That makes seven pairs, that I know of, in my recording area in Stalybridge, which comprises The Pennine Bridleway, Brushes Valley, and Wild Bank Hill.
Other sightings:
1 Little Owl 4 Buzzards, 3 over Harridge, and one calling over Buckton Quarry 2 Kestrel, one over Harridge, one over Buckton Moor 1 Peregrine, seen off by the Kestrel over Harridge 10+ Swallows 1 Swift 2 Lapwing Goldfinch Greenfinch Lesser Redpoll over
David Walsh said
Sun Jul 16 1:55 PM, 2017
Sunday 16th July 2017, 9.00 - 11.00am
Pennine Bridleway, Carrbrook, mainly around Shireclough; desperately quiet.
10 Lapwing, almost all well grown juveniles 5 Willow Warblers 3 Greenfinch singing 5 Goldfinch 1 Lesser Redpoll over 1 Linnet over
And that was about it.
David Walsh said
Sun Jul 9 10:52 PM, 2017
Sunday 9th July 2017, 6.30 - 8.30am
Pennine Bridleway, from Shireclough to Brushes.
12+ Lapwing, including at least four youngsters. Adults mobbing Jackdaws. 10 Linnet 4 singing Greenfinch 10 Goldfinch c 20 Swallows 8 Meadow Pipits 4 Mistle Thrush 2 Kestrel 1 Willow Warbler 1 Blackcap 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
Steve Suttill said
Mon Jul 3 9:28 AM, 2017
Sunday 2nd July 2017, early afternoon.
Over the River Tame, viewed from Stalybridge Tip (aka Household Waste Recycling Centre).
At least a dozen Sand Martins and a family group of Grey Wagtails.
I would have preferrred to be at the Buffet Bar
David Walsh said
Sun Jul 2 8:34 PM, 2017
Sunday 2nd July 2017, early evening.
Over the River Tame, viewed from Stalybridge buffet bar.
10+ Sand Martins, including what appeared to be a couple of juveniles being fed in mid-air 4 Swift 1 Grey Heron over west (down river).
Roger Baker 3 said
Fri Jun 23 8:48 PM, 2017
23rd June. 14.30 hrs.
Stalybridge. Caroline St bridge. R Tame.
Grey Wagtail. Pair. Sand Martin. 4. Swift. 3.
Roger.
David Walsh said
Wed Jun 21 1:51 PM, 2017
BBS for the square SJ9899.
The route follows the Pennine Bridleway, from Brushes Cottages to Harridge Hall, and from Lower Hyde Green, down Besom Lane, past Millbrook Dam, and into the valley bottom. The post could just as easily be in the "Brushes" thread, being split between the two.
Highlights.
2 Buzzard 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Cormorant 1 Common Sandpiper, amazingly, the first time recorded in this BBS square. Fortunately they have been alarm calling for the past couple of weeks, and can be heard at some distance. 1 Lapwing 1 Cuckoo 20 Swift 23 Swallows 39 House Martins 3 Chiffchaff 12 Willow Warblers 4 Blackcap 2 Whitethroat 6 Song Thrush 6 Mistle Thrush 27 House Sparrows 20 Collared Dove 17 Linnet 5 Lesser Redpoll 15 Greenfinch, recorded in nine out of the ten transect sections; more than any other species. 12 Goldfinch 8 Chaffinch
Karen Foulkes said
Mon May 29 10:35 PM, 2017
2 Rook this afternoon near Gala Bingo in Ashton
Coopers Ride area on Dukinfield/Ashton border
12+ Sand Martin Singing Blackcap and Chiffchaff Pair of Bullfinch Pair of Grey Wagtail
Roger Baker 3 said
Tue May 16 10:58 PM, 2017
Tuesday 16th May.
Cheetham Hill Rd. Dukinfield. 19.30 hrs.
Single House Martin over usual breeding site.
Roger.
David Walsh said
Sun May 14 9:34 PM, 2017
David Walsh wrote:
Monday 1st May 2017, 5.45pm
Blackcap singing in the trees around Broadhurst Transport, opposite the entrance to Stalybridge Railway Station.
Blackcap singing for the third week, opposite Stalybridge railway station.
David Walsh said
Sun May 14 3:13 PM, 2017
Sunday 14th May 2017, 2.30pm
6 House Martins feeding over Huddersfield Road, Stalybridge. My first of the year, locally.
David Walsh said
Thu May 11 1:40 PM, 2017
Thursday 10th May 2017, 9.00 - 10.30am
Pennine Bridleway, between Carrbrook and Millbrook.
6 Lapwing, including one well grown juvenile, which seems a poor return from at least four nests at the end of March. The adults were permanently alarm calling, harassed by gulls and corvids. There has been some control of the Lesser Black-backed Gulls , Crows, and Magpies, but not much can be done with the Black-headed Gulls. To add to the Lapwings' woes, the field has been ploughed and tilled in the past month, so that the youngster is wandering around on bare earth.
-- Edited by Roger Baker 3 on Wednesday 19th of April 2017 06:30:37 PM
Roger Baker 3 said
Fri Apr 7 10:49 PM, 2017
Friday 7th April. 11.30 hrs.
Ashton-u-Lyne.
Leucistic Jackdaw (white wing bars) feeding near Station Hotel on Warrington Street.
Roger.
Karen Foulkes said
Mon Apr 3 6:31 PM, 2017
River Tame, Dukinfield - late afternoon
Chiffchaff singing and flycatching in one of the riverside trees
Kingfisher flew downstream carrying a small fish
David Walsh said
Sun Apr 2 3:05 PM, 2017
Sunday 2nd April 2017, 7.30 - 9.30am
Pennine Bridleway, from Carrbrook to Brushes, and back.
2 Linnet, a male singing, and a female feeding in the fields. My first of the year at any of the area's upland breeding sites. 2 Willow Warblers singing at Shireclough. Also my first of the year. 4 Lapwing visible in the fields at the Carrbrook end, and one in Millbrook, below Higher Hyde Green. Both sites being harassed by gulls and crows. 2 Greenfinch singing 3 Chaffinch singing 1 pair of Mistle Thrush 5 Meadow Pipits 1 Skylark singing 1 drake Mandarin following a pair of Mallard around a field at Millbrook 1 Raven over, towards Buckton Moor
Roger Baker 3 said
Thu Mar 30 6:17 PM, 2017
Thursday 30th March. 14.00 hrs.
Stalybridge. R. Tame. Bayley Street bridge.
12+ Sand Martin. Think fresh in as I checked Mon & Tues with no joy. Grey Wagtail. Pair M & F.
Pennine Bridleway between Carrbrook and Brushes. Very windy and quiet.
1 Kestrel
1 Buzzard, feeding in the fields
1 Mistle Thrush
12 House Sparrows
Great and Blue Tits, and Dunnock, around the cottages
1 Red Grouse
1 Starling
Carrbrook Pond
1 redhead Goosander
2 Moorhen
10 Canada Geese
20+ Mallard, plus assorted farm ducks
Printworks Road, Heyrod
8 Goosander (4 male, 4 redhead) on the pond
6 Cormorant on the pylons
1 Buzzard over
Printworks Road, Heyrod.
10 Cormorant arranged on two pylons overlooking the river
7 Goosander on the pond (4 male, 3 redhead). My highest count of the autumn.
Printworks Road, Heyrod.
1 redhead Goosander
5 Mallard
5 Cormorant on a pylon overlooking the river
Yesterday lunchtime, two drake Goosander were on the pond
Printworks Road, Heyrod.
1 Goosander. The moulting young male.
Roger.
-- Edited by Roger Baker 3 on Tuesday 14th of November 2017 02:07:54 PM
Printworks Road Pond, Heyrod.
4 Goosander. 2 males, one redhead, and one immature male moulting into adult plumage.
Printworks Road Pond, Heyrod.
2 redhead Goosander. Either one or two redheads present on most visits over the past week.
1 Grey Heron
1 Moorhen
5 Mallard
Harrop Edge, mainly around Paddock Farm. Very quiet, compared to last week.
1 female Stonechat
1 Fieldfare
4 Redwing
1 Mistle Thrush
4 Goldfinch
2 Bullfinch
1 Raven
1 Rook
1 Kestrel
1 Grey Heron
60 Canada Geese in the fields
Peregrine Falcon with prey over Ashton at 07.10 this morning.
Printworks Road Pond.
1 drake Mandarin with 7 Mallard
Harrop Edge, around Paddock Farm, and the woods at Lower Roe Cross.
1 pair of Stonechat around Paddock Farm
20+ Redwing feeding on holly, in the almost complete absence of any other berries locally
At least one Fieldfare mixed in
6 Mistle Thrush
1 Song Thrush
c 20 Blackbirds
1 Goldcrest
Flock of 6 Bullfinch
6 Chaffinch
1 Buzzard
2 Kestrel
1 Raven
2 Pied Wagtails
4 House Sparrows
A flock of c80 Starlings feeding in the fields around Paddock Farm
c 200 Canada Geese in the fields towards Hyde Road, Mottram
At least 3 Rook feeding behind Cheetham Fold Farm, with Jackdaws and Carrion Crows
Attempted to count Magpies - 74
In the woods at Lower Roe Cross
1 male Great Spotted Woodpecker
2 Nuthatch
Small mixed feeding flock, with several Goldcrest and Coal Tits
Printworks Road, Heyrod, 10.30am
2 Coot were the only sign of life on the pond
5 Cormorant were perched together on a pylon
1 female Great Spotted Woodpecker
1 Nuthatch
Couple of Mistle Thrush, and lots of Blackbirds
Huddersfield Road
As I was leaving the house, at 8.00am, a Sparrowhawk overhead was being noisily mobbed by two Black-headed Gulls
Printworks Road Pond, Heyrod.
1 drake Goosander
2 Coot
Printworks Road, Heyrod
4 redhead Goosander on the pond
1 Coot
Nuthatch
Goldcrest
Goldfinch
Harrop Edge, Stalybridge, taking in Harrop Edge Road, Paddock Farm, and down to Edge Lane, via the woods at Lower Roe Cross.
Harrop Edge Road - particularly lively, for a change.
2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers
6 Redwing
20+ Blackbirds, seemed to be everywhere.
6 Bullfinch
4 Goldfinch
3 Dunnock
6+ Wren
A flock of mixed Tits containing at least 16 Long-tailed Tits
1 Kestrel
1 Pied Wagtail
Around Paddock Farm.
2 Stonechat (male and female), catching flies.
4 Red-legged Partridge
2 Mistle Thrush
1 Pied Wagtail
2 Goldfinch
A couple of Skylark heard calling, but not seen
In the woods.
1 Treecreeper
1 Nuthatch
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
Small flock of mixed Tits, containing mainly Coal Tits
Edge Lane.
1 Buzzard
1 Grey Heron
c 30 House Sparrows around the houses
Redwing calling over Stalybridge buffet bar at 8.30pm, and Huddersfield Road, Stalybridge, between 9.00 and 9.30pm.
Around Harrop Edge, Stalybridge
1 female Stonechat was moving around the rough fields above Paddock Farm
10+ Goldfinch
2 Linnet over
2 Bullfinch
1 female Sparrowhawk
3 Raven, 2 over Gallows Clough, the other over Edge Lane
2 Chiffchaff
5 Pied Wagtails
15+ Meadow Pipits
1 Jay
15+ Robins, very much in evidence this morning, two of which were chasing the Stonechat.
On the way home, a Buzzard drifted around from Matley, over Mottram Road, and was harassed by two Carrion Crows. Eventually, another raptor came into view very high up, and joined in. My best guess would be a Peregrine, but it was too distant to be sure.
Around Harrop Edge. Quiet, in very gusty conditions.
The main entertainment was watching two Nuthatches, in the shelter of the woods. They were constantly to and fro an old nest hole, presumably stashing seeds.
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
10 Meadow Pipit
6 Goldfinch
1 Linnet
Plenty of Canada Geese, Black-headed Gulls, Woodpigeon, and corvids around the fields, but not much else.
Pennine Bridleway, between Shireclough and Millbrook.
1 Chiffchaff singing at Shireclough
1 Kestrel
1 Buzzard
7 Mistle Thrush
4 Goldfinch
4 Greenfinch
1 Jay, collecting acorns
6 Meadow Pipits
3 Red Grouse
Three Rook left a corvid roost on the Dukinfield/Ashton border yesterday morning.
Pennine Bridleway, from Shireclough to Millbrook, before the rain.
1 Whinchat, feeding in a field of beet, at Shireclough
5 Stonechat, a pair and three well grown juveniles, one already with well developed male plumage.
1 Buzzard over Buckton Vale
1 Kestrel
4 Swallows
10+ Meadow Pipits
10 Goldfinch
2 Greenfinch
1 Lesser Redpoll over
1 Jay
1 Chiffchaff
3 Dunnock
Pennine Bridleway, from Shireclough to Millbrook, in cold, heavy drizzle.
2 Stonechat, a female and well grown juvenile, in the area of this year's nest site.
22 Mistle Thrush flew over from Millbrook towards Cowbury Dale
30+ Meadow Pipits, moving around in small flocks
20+ Goldfinch
1 Buzzard
8 Swallows
Harrop Edge, Stalybridge, taking in the woods at Lower Roe Cross.
2 Ravens
1 male Kestrel
1 female Sparrowhawk, having a real go at the Kestrel
1 Buzzard
A flock of 7 juvenile Linnet
15+ Goldfinch
25+ Meadow Pipits
2 Jay
1 Song Thrush
3 Chiffchaff
2 Willow Warblers
3 Swallows
94 Black-headed Gulls feeding in the fields
In the woods.
3 Nuthatch
Several Goldcrest
6 Long-tailed Tits
2 Coal Tits, one storing food
Great and Blue Tits
Bullfinch calling
2 Chiffchaff
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
Harrop Edge, Stalybridge.
28 Linnet around Paddock Farm, mainly juveniles.
c 30 Goldfinch feeding in the fields towards Hattersley roundabout.
c 20 Meadow Pipits moving through south in threes and fours.
8 Swallows
2 House Martins
1 Pied Wagtail over
2 Ravens, constantly hassled by Jackdaws
1 Willow Warbler
1 Chiffchaff singing
1 Coal Tit
c 70 Black-headed Gulls feeding in the fields towards the A57
c 160 Canada Geese in the same fields
6 House Sparrows
Harrop Edge, Stalybridge.
1 Buzzard
1 Little Owl
1 female Kestrel
1 female Sparrowhawk.
1 Raven, being harassed by Jackdaws.
2 Pied Wagtails
c 50 Swallows feeding over towards Roe Cross
200+ Canada Geese feeding in the fields between Harrop Edge and the A57
Jackdaws and Woodpigeon in abundance.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 7th of September 2017 04:29:09 PM
Pennine Bridleway, Shireclough to Millbrook.
A female Sparrowhawk was patrolling the fences around Shireclough so, other than noisy corvids, not a lot showing.
No sign of the Stonechat, the last sighting of which was of a male carrying food on 6th August (my last visit).
1 Kestrel
1 Little Owl
6 Mistle Thrush, including five together
40 Goldfinch
2 Coal Tit
12+ Swallows, including fledglings being fed on wires
Buzzard circling and mewing over Mottram Road, Stalybridge.
Roger.
-- Edited by Roger Baker 3 on Friday 18th of August 2017 10:33:56 AM
Female Buzzard over Mottram Road, Stalybridge at 16.00 hrs.
Roger.
Dukinfield.
c 15 House Martin over Cheetham Hill Road.
Roger.
Stalybridge. Harrop Edge.
Kestrel. 3. M + F + Juvenile.
Goldfinch. 7.
Meadow Pipit. 40+. Beginning to flock together. Two main groups counted 17 & 13.
Song Thrush.
House Sparrow .... small colony down near the stables.
Roger.
Pennne Bridleway, between Shireclough and Higher Hyde Green
The highlight was the discovery of a pair of Stonechat, with at least one juvenile, in what, for me, is a new territory. I have only ever seen a single male of this species in this area, on 5th March this year. That makes seven pairs, that I know of, in my recording area in Stalybridge, which comprises The Pennine Bridleway, Brushes Valley, and Wild Bank Hill.
Other sightings:
1 Little Owl
4 Buzzards, 3 over Harridge, and one calling over Buckton Quarry
2 Kestrel, one over Harridge, one over Buckton Moor
1 Peregrine, seen off by the Kestrel over Harridge
10+ Swallows
1 Swift
2 Lapwing
Goldfinch
Greenfinch
Lesser Redpoll over
Pennine Bridleway, Carrbrook, mainly around Shireclough; desperately quiet.
10 Lapwing, almost all well grown juveniles
5 Willow Warblers
3 Greenfinch singing
5 Goldfinch
1 Lesser Redpoll over
1 Linnet over
And that was about it.
Pennine Bridleway, from Shireclough to Brushes.
12+ Lapwing, including at least four youngsters. Adults mobbing Jackdaws.
10 Linnet
4 singing Greenfinch
10 Goldfinch
c 20 Swallows
8 Meadow Pipits
4 Mistle Thrush
2 Kestrel
1 Willow Warbler
1 Blackcap
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
Over the River Tame, viewed from Stalybridge Tip (aka Household Waste Recycling Centre).
At least a dozen Sand Martins and a family group of Grey Wagtails.
I would have preferrred to be at the Buffet Bar
Over the River Tame, viewed from Stalybridge buffet bar.
10+ Sand Martins, including what appeared to be a couple of juveniles being fed in mid-air
4 Swift
1 Grey Heron over west (down river).
Stalybridge. Caroline St bridge. R Tame.
Grey Wagtail. Pair.
Sand Martin. 4.
Swift. 3.
Roger.
The route follows the Pennine Bridleway, from Brushes Cottages to Harridge Hall, and from Lower Hyde Green, down Besom Lane, past Millbrook Dam, and into the valley bottom. The post could just as easily be in the "Brushes" thread, being split between the two.
Highlights.
2 Buzzard
1 Sparrowhawk
1 Cormorant
1 Common Sandpiper, amazingly, the first time recorded in this BBS square. Fortunately they have been alarm calling for the past couple of weeks, and can be heard at some distance.
1 Lapwing
1 Cuckoo
20 Swift
23 Swallows
39 House Martins
3 Chiffchaff
12 Willow Warblers
4 Blackcap
2 Whitethroat
6 Song Thrush
6 Mistle Thrush
27 House Sparrows
20 Collared Dove
17 Linnet
5 Lesser Redpoll
15 Greenfinch, recorded in nine out of the ten transect sections; more than any other species.
12 Goldfinch
8 Chaffinch
Coopers Ride area on Dukinfield/Ashton border
12+ Sand Martin
Singing Blackcap and Chiffchaff
Pair of Bullfinch
Pair of Grey Wagtail
Cheetham Hill Rd. Dukinfield. 19.30 hrs.
Single House Martin over usual breeding site.
Roger.
Blackcap singing for the third week, opposite Stalybridge railway station.
6 House Martins feeding over Huddersfield Road, Stalybridge. My first of the year, locally.
Pennine Bridleway, between Carrbrook and Millbrook.
6 Lapwing, including one well grown juvenile, which seems a poor return from at least four nests at the end of March. The adults were permanently alarm calling, harassed by gulls and corvids. There has been some control of the Lesser Black-backed Gulls , Crows, and Magpies, but not much can be done with the Black-headed Gulls. To add to the Lapwings' woes, the field has been ploughed and tilled in the past month, so that the youngster is wandering around on bare earth.
1 Whitethroat singing
3 Willow Warblers
15 Goldfinch
3 Greenfinch
5 Chaffinch
6 Linnet
4 Swallows
1 Swift
1 Buzzard over Harridge
Blackcap singing in the trees around Broadhurst Transport, opposite the entrance to Stalybridge Railway Station.
Chiffchaff and Blackcap also in the area
Stalybridge.1 39pm Wednesday 19th April
2 dippers seen on the river Tame downstream from bridge on Melbourne Street.
One fllying up to a wall on the left.t
Harrop Edge. Stalybridge.
Willow Warbler.
Chiffchaff.
Rook (1) mixed in with the Carrion Crow & Jackdaw.
Swallow. (4)
Mistle Thrush collecting food.
Goldfinch.
Linnet. (1)
Roger.
-- Edited by Roger Baker 3 on Wednesday 19th of April 2017 06:30:37 PM
Ashton-u-Lyne.
Leucistic Jackdaw (white wing bars) feeding near Station Hotel on Warrington Street.
Roger.
Chiffchaff singing and flycatching in one of the riverside trees
Kingfisher flew downstream carrying a small fish
Pennine Bridleway, from Carrbrook to Brushes, and back.
2 Linnet, a male singing, and a female feeding in the fields. My first of the year at any of the area's upland breeding sites.
2 Willow Warblers singing at Shireclough. Also my first of the year.
4 Lapwing visible in the fields at the Carrbrook end, and one in Millbrook, below Higher Hyde Green. Both sites being harassed by gulls and crows.
2 Greenfinch singing
3 Chaffinch singing
1 pair of Mistle Thrush
5 Meadow Pipits
1 Skylark singing
1 drake Mandarin following a pair of Mallard around a field at Millbrook
1 Raven over, towards Buckton Moor
Stalybridge. R. Tame. Bayley Street bridge.
12+ Sand Martin. Think fresh in as I checked Mon & Tues with no joy.
Grey Wagtail. Pair M & F.
Harrop Edge. 14.30.
Still in the grip of winter up here !!!
Pied Wagtail. 1.
Carrion Crow. 6.
Jackdaw. 100+
Roger.