Very busy on the feeders this weekend - At least 7 bramblings, 6 siskins, 4 bullfinch and the female blackcap amongst others ..
Chris Greene said
Fri Feb 4 12:18 PM, 2011
Up to six siskin , now regularly visiting sunflower kernel ,and nyjer seed feeders in garden,( Offerton , Stockport )... Along with up to 16 goldfinch and 10 greenfinch. A pair of chaffinch visit occasionally , but as of yet no bullfinch in 2011 ! Cheers Chris.
Nick Isherwood said
Mon Jan 31 7:57 PM, 2011
Looks like one to me Martyn. I saw one very similar to this on Astley Moss last year.
Martyn Jones said
Mon Jan 31 5:56 PM, 2011
I'm pretty sure I saw a leucistic blackbird in my garden in Tyldesley today. Some poor photos on my blog, address below. Any comments welcome, especially if I'm wrong.
Vaughan Evans said
Mon Jan 31 12:15 PM, 2011
At least 6 bramblings now visiting, with high counts of 4m and 2f, plus the? female Blackcap was back. Chaffinches and Goldfinches still near to 20 each and a single Goldcrest (feeding on fat). 24 Fieldfare in a nearby tree but no Redwings this weekend.
Adam Jones said
Sun Jan 30 8:58 PM, 2011
Goldcrest once again in my Cheadle Hulme garden. This time feeding on a fat block and also flitting around amongst the conifers. I'd like to see a pair of them but will enjoy just the one for now. What a pleasure.
John Drake said
Sun Jan 30 4:31 PM, 2011
I have done my Back Garden Bird watch in Chadderton Sunday 11.30 to 12.30 Blue Tits 2 House Sparrows about 12 Starlings about 8 Collard Doves 3 Feral Pigeon 3 Blackbird 2 Wren 1 Dunnock 1 Robin 1
A lot of birds seen to have disappeared since the New Year, Great Tits especially
Steven Higginbottom said
Sun Jan 30 3:31 PM, 2011
Just completed garden birdwatch then a couple of regulars decided to turn up. Must have been hiding. Goldfinch 62 Chaffinch 14 Greenfinch 9 Bullfinch 3 Redpoll 11 Sisken 1 Blue Tit 3 Great Tit 2 Starling 14 Collard Dove 6 (2 building nest) Feral Pigeon 3 Magpie 1 Robin 1 Blackbird 4 After birdwatch Mistle Thrush 1 Jackdaw 1 Dunnock 1
Had reports off a niegbour that she had found a dead Goldfinch and Bulfinch in same place over 2 days But could not say how they had died. Thought it might be a cat with being in the same place. but don't know
Martyn Jones said
Sun Jan 30 11:37 AM, 2011
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch - 9:35am to 10:35am on Sunday 30th January 2011
Greenfinch - first of the year in my garden Bullfinch - first time ever seen in my garden Coal Tit (2) - first of the year in my garden Goldfinch Blue Tit Dunnock Blackbird (4) House Sparrow (4) Starling (4) Woodpigeon
10 species and 20 individual birds - not too bad for my back garden in Tyldesey, although I was a little disappointed not to see my usual Robin, Great Tit and Long-tailed tits which were all here yesterday.
From my window I also saw a skein of 100+ Pink-footed Geese heading west-ish, a Jay, a Magpie and two collared Doves although they weren't actually in my garden and so I didn't record them.
What time do you all think is the best to do surveys like this? I seem to have a period of intense activity between about 9:00am and 10:30am and then a lull until mid afternoon around 3:30pm to 4:30pm at the moment.
P.S. This is my first ever posting of actual species seen by me as I am growing in confidence with my identifications and there's a bit more about my BGB experience on my blog.
Low on Tits and Fiches also, think they have all dispersed during this comparative mild spell.
Joe Wynn said
Sun Jan 30 10:53 AM, 2011
Just completed the Big Garden Birdwatch and despite the lack of any finches and amazingly no tits got a few unusual visitors: 2 Jay 1 GS Woodpecker 1 Dunnock 3 Blackbird 2 Mistle Thrushes 1 Robin 1 Goldcrest 2 Woodpigeon 2 Collared Dove Not bad, despite the startling lack of Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Coal Tit! Is anyone else having a very quiet time after loads of birds over christmas?
Phil Owen said
Sun Jan 30 10:23 AM, 2011
Completed the survey this morning. Unfortunately I've not been able to stock the feeders for a couple of weeks so not as many birds as usual (Finches were absent this morning etc)
Still managed:
17 Starlings 10 House Sparrows 4 Blue Tits 2 Great Tits 1 Long-tailed Tit 1 Robin 2 Dunnocks 2 Blackbirds (1 very aggressive Male staying in the garden the whole time and chasing the smaller birds away) 2 Collared Doves 1 Woodpigeon
Joey Eccles said
Sun Jan 30 9:28 AM, 2011
Highlights of my BGBW 8-9am:
goldcrest 5 greenfinch including 1 singing displaying collared dove and woodpigeon mistle thrush and robin singing blackbird showing territorial behaviour 2 nuthatch 3 chaffinch
amongst the usuals
Pete Lane said
Sat Jan 29 10:49 PM, 2011
Male sparrowhawk caught a mouse, perched on the back of our garden bench, removed a good percentage of it's fur before tearing it to pieces and swallowing it. This took about 15 minutes and I managed to capture it on video. A bit messy but very entertaining!
Adam Jones said
Sat Jan 29 5:04 PM, 2011
My Cheadle Hulme garden.
A Goldcrest this afternoon. It has arrived annually for the last four years (I don't know if is the same one) but is usually in December around Christmas time. A few weeks later this year. A lovely little bird to see and all from the comfort of my back room.
Dean Macdonald said
Sat Jan 29 4:58 PM, 2011
Just had a flock of at least 20 Waxwings in my garden in Bolton
Rick Donkin said
Sat Jan 29 1:07 PM, 2011
Just completed the 1 hour watch with the help of my Granddaughter, Amy :
Blackbird 3m/2f Blue Tit 4 House Sparrow 1m LT Tit 8 Magpie 5 Woodpigeon 1 Coal Tit 1 Robin 1 Chaffinch 2f Goldfinch 6 Greenfinch 4 Bullfinch 1m/1f Great Tit 3 Blackcap 1f Feral Pigeon 3
Rick.
Dave Cropper said
Fri Jan 28 11:47 AM, 2011
Brambling numbers in my garden in Sale have steadily increased over the last few days to a maximum currently of 7, mainly males.
Rick Donkin said
Thu Jan 27 2:48 PM, 2011
My garden in Cheadle.
Female Blackcap reappeared briefly on Tue and Male Blackcap this morning. Unfortunately not seen them together - yet All the other usual visitors.
Rick.
Rick Donkin said
Sun Jan 23 10:34 PM, 2011
My garden in Cheadle.
With no further sightings of Female Blackcap for last 5 days a Male turned up between 11.00 and 12.15 - feeding on the fat-balls (pic left).
Other birds include;- Bullfinch 2m/1f Greenfinch 7 Goldfinch 11 Dunnock 2 Robin 2 Blackbird 3m/1f Mixed Tit flock of Coal, Blue, Great and Long Tailed Singles of House Sparrow (m), Wren and GSWoodpecker (f)
Oh, and the 2 Moorhen which seem to have taken up permanent residence.
Garden list so far this year 31 with addition of the Wren (at last!).
Rick.
Joe Wynn said
Sat Jan 22 10:31 AM, 2011
Just had an absolutely stunning male blackcap eating windfall apples right in front of the window!. A first for the garden near Dane Road, Sale
-- Edited by Joe Wynn on Saturday 22nd of January 2011 10:36:28 AM
John Lyon said
Fri Jan 21 4:37 PM, 2011
A return of a pair of Siskins and a pair of Reed Buntiings to our garden today. Usuals still present
Rick Donkin said
Fri Jan 21 2:35 PM, 2011
Latest additions to my Cheadle garden list include Collared Dove and Jay, making 30 in total so far.
Female Blackcap not seen for last three days.
Rick.
Vaughan Evans said
Thu Jan 20 4:57 PM, 2011
3 Bramblings today - 2m 1f with 20+ Chaffinches and 25+ Goldfinches. No sign of the Blackcap
Steven Higginbottom said
Thu Jan 20 2:17 PM, 2011
Radcliffe m26 1jh have had a large increase in goldfinch feeding on feeders and on seeds dropped on ground. Normal numbers around 60 goldfinch but today have 150+ goldfinch, 1 male Siskin, 2 Redpoll, 14 Greenfinch, 8 Blue tit, 3 Great tit, 3 Bulfinch, 4 Blackbirds, 6 Feral pigeons, 2 Collard Dove,11 Starlings and 1 Mistle thrush.
Alan Turner said
Wed Jan 19 8:09 PM, 2011
Blackcap, male.15th.consecutive day upto16th.Jan. Not seen for last 3 days.
Vaughan Evans said
Mon Jan 17 12:06 PM, 2011
Blackcap and Brambling still present 16th.
Andy Bissitt said
Sat Jan 15 9:09 PM, 2011
Interesting (I think) piece of behaviour witnessed last Sunday. Three blue tits flew into the bush at the front of my house whilst I was looking out at the feeder. They immediately struck me as being a bit 'animated'. So my looking out would scare them, I lowered the curtain and then looked through the gaps in the lace pattern. I couldn't see them now, but on lifting the curtain again my eyes were drawn to the ground below the feeder where two of the tits were lying on their sides amongst the gravel threatening each other with their talons (not really talons I suppose, but it spices the story up a bit). They were only down there a few seconds, but it was just all rather violent for blue tits, and left me shocked (more dramatic licence). Anyone else seen any birds resorting to any aggro yet this spring?
Best Birds in garden today - 6 siskins.
Other notable count - 10 collared doves in next doors tree (highest count for a couple of years or so).
Keith Mills said
Fri Jan 14 8:20 AM, 2011
At 8.10 this morning. A male Sparrowhawk sat on a low branch of the Larch tree in my garden. .................looking towards my feeders. Ladybridge, Bolton.
-- Edited by keith mills on Friday 14th of January 2011 08:52:13 AM
alex lewis-gough said
Thu Jan 13 1:11 PM, 2011
had my 1st ever goldcrest in my garden early this afternoon. spotted it on telephone wire and then it flitted about in the trees before dissapearing in the connifer 1 down for the year and didnt have to leave the house. also pair of blackbirds, pair of blue tits, 4 house sparrows and regular robin. still not much on feeders though
Judith Smith said
Thu Jan 13 12:01 PM, 2011
Could contributors to this thread please help me by saying which area their garden is situated in, so that I can record notable species or numbers on the county database? Thanks. Judith Smith (County recorder, now back online)
alex lewis-gough said
Wed Jan 12 12:58 PM, 2011
hi joe yeah i dont understand it. the cats only hang around occasionaly, plus we have a dog so she will see them off. i wondered if it was to do with the positioning of my feeding station but i cant see that as ive got it just in front of the trees so theres plenty of cover for them to hide. my seed feeder is full and has been for about 2 months and my fat balls aren't being touched either havin just said that ive just had 3 brief visits from 3 different birds, a robin, blue tit and my 1st great tit but all on the feeding tray. as long as the birds are doing well though, just you would think they would take the food that is put out for them as it saves them looking for it.
Joe Wynn said
Wed Jan 12 7:20 AM, 2011
alex lewis-gough wrote:
my garden has been pretty quiet most of the winter. bought a feeding station couple months ago and have had hardly any birds on it, just pair of collard doves and couple blue tits and a squirrel calls in few times a day. i have had plenty of different species in my garden (17 in all) but most stay in the trees, even the many house sparrows dont visit my feeders. could the reason be cats? i have a couple of neighbouring cats who sometimes hang around but that must be a problem most people face
Hi Alex, I don't know whether it differs from cat to cat, but we have a cat and manage to have a thriving bird population at the same time (Jay, Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Etc.) and they all come to the feeders. The cat does put them up from time to time, but it doesn't seem to deter them. But maybe our cat is just a bit more tolerant than your neighbours cat (or a bit lazier!)?
alex lewis-gough said
Wed Jan 12 12:42 AM, 2011
my garden has been pretty quiet most of the winter. bought a feeding station couple months ago and have had hardly any birds on it, just pair of collard doves and couple blue tits and a squirrel calls in few times a day. i have had plenty of different species in my garden (17 in all) but most stay in the trees, even the many house sparrows dont visit my feeders. could the reason be cats? i have a couple of neighbouring cats who sometimes hang around but that must be a problem most people face
Alan Turner said
Tue Jan 11 7:13 PM, 2011
Male Blackcap present for 10th. consecutive day.
John Lyon said
Mon Jan 10 8:58 PM, 2011
Had a first ever visit today from a pair of Brambling, the usual 5 Goldfinch and all the regular Coal, Blue & Great Tits. 2 Dunnocks, collard doves and Magpies. 3 pairs of Blackbirds and several Chaffinch. Robins were present as usual. No sign of the Redpoll pair over the last few days, and it's gone quiet having the LT Tits around
Suzanne Tattersall said
Mon Jan 10 4:22 PM, 2011
8 long tailed tits enjoying the fats in the coconut hanger.
Vaughan Evans said
Mon Jan 10 7:37 AM, 2011
Male Brambling on Saturday amongst the twenty or so Chaffinches, a Raven over and a female Blackcap on Sunday
-- Edited by Vaughan Evans on Monday 10th of January 2011 11:40:11 AM
Rick Donkin said
Sun Jan 9 2:03 PM, 2011
Female Blackcap for 6th day running (yesterday and today). First single Siskin of the year Plus all the usual Finches and Tits and the 2 Moorhen. Rick.
Judith Smith said
Sat Jan 8 9:57 PM, 2011
Manchester Museum always like them.
Andy Bissitt said
Sat Jan 8 9:09 PM, 2011
4 siskins today, which all managed to avoid the windows thankfully. Also 12 goldfinch, a jay in our tree, and a brief visit from a few long-tailed tits. I could not count the tits properly as I was trying to watch the waxwings from the front windows at the same time, (I can see out the back and front at the same time from one room of my house which is handy).
Steven Nelson said
Sat Jan 8 5:10 PM, 2011
3.50pm
How about this for cracking a garden tick (well over the garden anyway!). I just had an incredible 3 Peregrines at the same tim[/b]e over my house in Irlam ! I was just about to get into my car when I heard a high pitched 'kee kee kee kee' call over head. I looked up to see 2 peregrines (looked like a pair - one seemed slightly larger than the other so presume f and m) and they were being harassed by a large (presume f) single bird that was making the noise. I assume that the pair were passing through the single birds's 'territory' and it was trying to force them away. They came from the direction of Irlam Moss 1/2 mile to the north (regular Peregrine haunt in winter) and headed south still making the noise.
Never seen 3 Peregrines together anywhere before!!
-- Edited by Steven Nelson on Saturday 8th of January 2011 05:10:31 PM
Mike hirst said
Sat Jan 8 11:36 AM, 2011
Received a visit from a male Reed Bunting this morning. Stayed for about 30 minutes. Last known garden sighting approx 10 years ago. Really pleased by this turn up.
Mike
Andy Bissitt said
Fri Jan 7 8:29 PM, 2011
Sad to report the death of one of 'my' siskins yesterday when (according to the person in the house at the time) it hit the patio window with a huge thud. It was a fabulously plumaged male just coming into breeding colours as well. It is in our fridge at the moment if anyone would like it for educational purposes or such. I'll bury it after the weekend if its death has been in vain.
Alan Turner said
Fri Jan 7 8:19 PM, 2011
Male Blackcap present for 6th. day.
Rick Donkin said
Fri Jan 7 4:59 PM, 2011
Female Blackcap visited frequently throughout the day for 4th day running. Plus the usual stuff. Rick.
stuart lewis-gough said
Thu Jan 6 8:18 PM, 2011
spent the last 2 months trailing round the north-west trying to find siskins,with no success,call home for an hour today and find 2 on my nijer feeder with a goldfinch and chaffinch. i guess sometimes its just better to stay in. haha.
Melanie Beckford said
Thu Jan 6 7:30 PM, 2011
Got two brief views today of a Goldcrest, whilst l was having my lunch.He was flitting in and out of next doors conifer at work (Sale).
l also had a visit from a female Blackcap last week (forgot to post it )....but l think l'll try some banana to entice her back
Cheers Chris.
Blue Tits 2
House Sparrows about 12
Starlings about 8
Collard Doves 3
Feral Pigeon 3
Blackbird 2
Wren 1
Dunnock 1
Robin 1
A lot of birds seen to have disappeared since the New Year, Great Tits especially
Goldfinch 62
Chaffinch 14
Greenfinch 9
Bullfinch 3
Redpoll 11
Sisken 1
Blue Tit 3
Great Tit 2
Starling 14
Collard Dove 6 (2 building nest)
Feral Pigeon 3
Magpie 1
Robin 1
Blackbird 4
After birdwatch
Mistle Thrush 1
Jackdaw 1
Dunnock 1
Had reports off a niegbour that she had found a dead Goldfinch and Bulfinch in same place over 2 days But could not say how they had died. Thought it might be a cat with being in the same place. but don't know
Greenfinch - first of the year in my garden
Bullfinch - first time ever seen in my garden
Coal Tit (2) - first of the year in my garden
Goldfinch
Blue Tit
Dunnock
Blackbird (4)
House Sparrow (4)
Starling (4)
Woodpigeon
10 species and 20 individual birds - not too bad for my back garden in Tyldesey, although I was a little disappointed not to see my usual Robin, Great Tit and Long-tailed tits which were all here yesterday.
From my window I also saw a skein of 100+ Pink-footed Geese heading west-ish, a Jay, a Magpie and two collared Doves although they weren't actually in my garden and so I didn't record them.
What time do you all think is the best to do surveys like this? I seem to have a period of intense activity between about 9:00am and 10:30am and then a lull until mid afternoon around 3:30pm to 4:30pm at the moment.
P.S. This is my first ever posting of actual species seen by me as I am growing in confidence with my identifications and there's a bit more about my BGB experience on my blog.
Blackbird = 4
Blue Tit = 1
Robin = 1
H Sparrow = 12
Starling = 14
Goldcrest = 1
Woodpigeon = 5
Collared Dove = 2
Greenfinch = 2
Magpie = 2
Great Tit = 1
Feral Pigeon = 6
Chaffinch = 1
Goldfinch = 2
Mistle Thrush = 1
Low on Tits and Fiches also, think they have all dispersed during this comparative mild spell.
2 Jay
1 GS Woodpecker
1 Dunnock
3 Blackbird
2 Mistle Thrushes
1 Robin
1 Goldcrest
2 Woodpigeon
2 Collared Dove
Not bad, despite the startling lack of Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Bullfinch, Blue Tit, Great Tit and Coal Tit! Is anyone else having a very quiet time after loads of birds over christmas?
Still managed:
17 Starlings
10 House Sparrows
4 Blue Tits
2 Great Tits
1 Long-tailed Tit
1 Robin
2 Dunnocks
2 Blackbirds (1 very aggressive Male staying in the garden the whole time and chasing the smaller birds away)
2 Collared Doves
1 Woodpigeon
goldcrest
5 greenfinch including 1 singing
displaying collared dove and woodpigeon
mistle thrush and robin singing
blackbird showing territorial behaviour
2 nuthatch
3 chaffinch
amongst the usuals
A Goldcrest this afternoon. It has arrived annually for the last four years (I don't know if is the same one) but is usually in December around Christmas time. A few weeks later this year. A lovely little bird to see and all from the comfort of my back room.
Just had a flock of at least 20 Waxwings in my garden in Bolton
Blackbird 3m/2f
Blue Tit 4
House Sparrow 1m
LT Tit 8
Magpie 5
Woodpigeon 1
Coal Tit 1
Robin 1
Chaffinch 2f
Goldfinch 6
Greenfinch 4
Bullfinch 1m/1f
Great Tit 3
Blackcap 1f
Feral Pigeon 3
Rick.
Female Blackcap reappeared briefly on Tue and Male Blackcap this morning. Unfortunately not seen them together - yet
All the other usual visitors.
Rick.
With no further sightings of Female Blackcap for last 5 days a Male turned up between 11.00 and 12.15 - feeding on the fat-balls (pic left).
Other birds include;-
Bullfinch 2m/1f
Greenfinch 7
Goldfinch 11
Dunnock 2
Robin 2
Blackbird 3m/1f
Mixed Tit flock of Coal, Blue, Great and Long Tailed
Singles of House Sparrow (m), Wren and GSWoodpecker (f)
Oh, and the 2 Moorhen which seem to have taken up permanent residence.
Garden list so far this year 31 with addition of the Wren (at last!).
Rick.
-- Edited by Joe Wynn on Saturday 22nd of January 2011 10:36:28 AM
Female Blackcap not seen for last three days.
Rick.
3 Bulfinch, 4 Blackbirds, 6 Feral pigeons, 2 Collard Dove,11 Starlings and
1 Mistle thrush.
Best Birds in garden today - 6 siskins.
Other notable count - 10 collared doves in next doors tree (highest count for a couple of years or so).
A male Sparrowhawk sat on a low branch of the Larch tree in my garden.
.................looking towards my feeders.
Ladybridge, Bolton.
-- Edited by keith mills on Friday 14th of January 2011 08:52:13 AM
also pair of blackbirds, pair of blue tits, 4 house sparrows and regular robin. still not much on feeders though
Judith Smith (County recorder, now back online)
yeah i dont understand it. the cats only hang around occasionaly, plus we have a dog so she will see them off. i wondered if it was to do with the positioning of my feeding station but i cant see that as ive got it just in front of the trees so theres plenty of cover for them to hide. my seed feeder is full and has been for about 2 months and my fat balls aren't being touched either havin just said that ive just had 3 brief visits from 3 different birds, a robin, blue tit and my 1st great tit but all on the feeding tray. as long as the birds are doing well though, just you would think they would take the food that is put out for them as it saves them looking for it.
Hi Alex,
I don't know whether it differs from cat to cat, but we have a cat and manage to have a thriving bird population at the same time (Jay, Bullfinch, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Etc.) and they all come to the feeders. The cat does put them up from time to time, but it doesn't seem to deter them. But maybe our cat is just a bit more tolerant than your neighbours cat (or a bit lazier!)?
2 Dunnocks, collard doves and Magpies. 3 pairs of Blackbirds and several Chaffinch. Robins were present as usual. No sign of the Redpoll pair over the last few days, and it's gone quiet having the LT Tits around
-- Edited by Vaughan Evans on Monday 10th of January 2011 11:40:11 AM
First single Siskin of the year
Plus all the usual Finches and Tits and the 2 Moorhen.
Rick.
How about this for cracking a garden tick (well over the garden anyway!).
I just had an incredible 3 Peregrines at the same tim[/b]e over my house in Irlam ! I was just about to get into my car when I heard a high pitched 'kee kee kee kee' call over head. I looked up to see 2 peregrines (looked like a pair - one seemed slightly larger than the other so presume f and m) and they were being harassed by a large (presume f) single bird that was making the noise. I assume that the pair were passing through the single birds's 'territory' and it was trying to force them away. They came from the direction of Irlam Moss 1/2 mile to the north (regular Peregrine haunt in winter) and headed south still making the noise.
Never seen 3 Peregrines together anywhere before!!
-- Edited by Steven Nelson on Saturday 8th of January 2011 05:10:31 PM
Last known garden sighting approx 10 years ago. Really pleased by this turn up.
Mike
Plus the usual stuff.
Rick.
l also had a visit from a female Blackcap last week (forgot to post it )....but l think l'll try some banana to entice her back