A Hobby gave a sensational display as it swooped low over the moss, and at one point was only around 20ft from the viewing area.
Meanwhile a Common Whitethroat flitted around on the stems of bracken below the view point, which was probably a very wise
move with "Falco Subbuteo" about. The little bird never once ventured onto the tops of the bracken.
3 Buzzards soared on thermals to a really impressive height over the moss.
Meanwhile, several Black-headed Gulls also soared over the moss and appeared to indicate a hatch of flying insects, which they caught and
consumed in flight "Hobby" style.
pete berry said
Sun Jun 2 1:31 PM, 2024
Thought I'd pop into to Risley as not been for a few years. Plenty of Hobby action with at least 4 birds hunting, 2 over the reserve and 2 distantly over the grassed over landfill. Also seen a couple of Kestrel over the reserve,Common Tern,Buzzard,a few House Martins and Swifts as well as fly over Lesser Black Backed and Black Headed Gulls.
John O'Neill said
Thu Nov 2 10:51 AM, 2023
Site of old Tower Hide
Kestrel. Sparrowhawk and Buzzard all up hunting over the Moss.
JOHN TYMON said
Thu Sep 7 5:14 PM, 2023
7 pink footed Geese SE at 11.30
Sparrowhawk-1
Buzzard - 3
malcolm roach said
Mon Aug 21 4:42 PM, 2023
1 hobby. 1 kestrel. From the view point 2.15 pm
JOHN TYMON said
Wed Aug 16 12:43 PM, 2023
400 Swift over the landfill SE of the moss currently
malcolm roach said
Sat May 20 4:17 PM, 2023
2 hobby pm
Stephen Wende said
Wed May 17 8:32 AM, 2023
Late post for 16/05/23 -
2 Hobbies seen between 13:45 - 14:15 from from former Tower Hide vew point.
Nick Hilton said
Sun May 14 8:11 PM, 2023
At least 3 Hobby showing well around 1400 today.
JOHN TYMON said
Tue May 9 3:59 PM, 2023
2 Hobby very high above the moss this afternoon, always nice to see them back.
Rob Smith said
Tue Jan 17 7:42 PM, 2023
A New years dusk watch
Woodcock - 4, off mossland
Common Snipe - 12, off mossland
Water Rail - calling nearby
Rob Smith said
Fri Dec 2 7:19 PM, 2022
A dusk watch
Woodcock - 1,
Common Snipe - 15, off mossland
Canada Geese - 10, dropping onto mossland
Water Rail - 2, calling from edge of mossland
Tawny Owl - 1,
Carrion Crow - 150+, with most coming in & uncountable at dusk
JOHN TYMON said
Thu Jun 23 4:11 PM, 2022
This morning
2 Hobby although distant and very high
Female Marsh Harrier
Dave Stewart said
Wed Jun 22 4:57 PM, 2022
Risley Moss short visit 11-20-13-15hrs.
3 Hobby...pair & 1st Summer Male
Singing birds included...
1 Reed Warbler
1 Song Thrush
1 Whitethroat
3 Blackcap
A female Marsh Harrier was reportedly seen earlier
John Watson said
Fri Jun 17 9:47 AM, 2022
I think 1st year birds have less distinct red "trousers", which might be what you interpreted as indicating juveniles. The behaviour doesn't sound like just-fledged, either
(I looked this up make sure)
JOHN TYMON said
Thu Jun 16 7:16 PM, 2022
John O'Neill wrote:
Mid-day site of old Tower Hide
At least two juv Hobbies putting on a spectacular show over moss, twisting and turning as they slalomed round bushes and small trees catching dragonflies. Occassionally landing to perch up and survey the area. Vocal; I suspect an adult bird was present somewhere. Ridiculously close at times.
A distant soaring Buzzard the only other raptor seen.
A bit too early for Juv Hobby I would have thought ,yesterday 2 adults were present occasionally and a 1st summer bird has also been around locally ,normally Juv Hobby only appear late July onwards and expecially this year when the adults were still displaying locally 2 weeks ago after arriving very late ..? It would be unusual to Have This years fledged young so early feeding at Risley.
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Thursday 16th of June 2022 07:18:17 PM
John O'Neill said
Thu Jun 16 5:09 PM, 2022
Mid-day
site of old Tower Hide
At least two juv Hobbies putting on a spectacular show over moss, twisting and turning as they slalomed round bushes and small trees catching dragonflies. Occassionally landing to perch up and survey the area. Vocal; I suspect an adult bird was present somewhere. Ridiculously close at times.
A distant soaring Buzzard the only other raptor seen.
JOHN TYMON said
Thu May 5 2:22 PM, 2022
1 Hobby BRIEFLY this morning
John Watson said
Thu Jan 13 12:16 PM, 2022
Late news for Tues 11th Jan
4 Woodcock, one seen well 6 Snipe, heard only 2 Water Rail, heard only
All the action was at 17:05, exactly 50 mins after sunset
John O'Neill said
Wed Jan 12 10:16 PM, 2022
5pm site of Tower Hide
Clear evening with a gibbous moon illuminating the moss. A low heavy fog lay on the open space making the area look eerie and arcane, like Avalon (but with the sound of the M62 still audible.)
At least 2 Woodcock, possibly as many as 5, seen over low and v close .
Rob Smith said
Wed Dec 29 8:02 PM, 2021
A short wander around & then a dusk watch from OT area
Woodcock - 6
Common Snipe - 6
Water Rail - 2 calling in front of OT area
Canada Geese - 15 flew north along west side - 8 flew low east across moss
Teal - no numbers but quite a few calling out on the moss
Corvid flock - 350+ (crows/jackdaws/Rook)
Song Thrush - surprised to hear singing nearby, (cf Mistle Thrush singing for a couple of weeks now)
Treecreeper - 2 singing near front gate
Nuthatch - 3 active around woods
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 29th of December 2021 10:21:22 PM
Rob Smith said
Tue Oct 26 7:13 PM, 2021
Late records from Saturday.
Water Rail - 1, calling in front of where tower was!
Sparrowhawk - 1, female across front of area
Carrion Crows -200+, inc 1 with white wings
Lez Fairclough said
Sat Sep 18 10:29 AM, 2021
Late post for Thursday 16th September - brief afternoon visit
Definitely 1 possibly 2 Hobby over over the moss - could have been the same bird
Buzzard, Kestrel, Nuthatch, 2 Bullfinch & Jay heard.
The woodland hide was deserted never seen it so quiet.
Lez Fairclough said
Thu Mar 4 8:38 PM, 2021
2-30pm to 4-30pm.
Although the Woodland Hide is closed due to Covid & vandalism the feeders & tables are still clearly visible from the left of the hide & well stocked - of note :-
M & F Chaffinch; F Greenfinch; Nuthatch ; Willow, Coal & Long-Tailed Tits & the highlight both male (with red nape) & female Great Spotted Woodpeckers drilling out what I think is a silver birch tree.
Near Mossland Hide another G S Woodpecker was seen with 2 Buzzards circling at tree top height.
The moss was strangely devoid of any birds.
-- Edited by Lez Fairclough on Thursday 4th of March 2021 08:39:00 PM
-- Edited by Lez Fairclough on Thursday 4th of March 2021 08:40:26 PM
Rob Smith said
Mon Dec 21 2:01 PM, 2020
Dusk vigil proved interesting (apart from great views of new Moon & Jupiter & Saturn conjunction)
Canada Geese - 80 flew low to the west
Woodcock - 4, usual route overhead & out NE
Common Snipe - 20, up off mossland
Lapwing - 200, circling over southern boundary
Short eared Owl - 1, hunting over mossland after dusk
Water Rail - 2 calling from reeds in front of observation point
Magpies - 20+, into usual roost area
Corvid flock - 400+ into roost
John O'Neill said
Sun Dec 13 10:42 PM, 2020
Ex site of Tower Hide
4.40 pm
1 Woodcock over Moss in gathering dark
A late flying Buzzard was mobbed by Carrion Crows
John Williams said
Tue Dec 1 6:52 PM, 2020
11.00-13.00
Woodland : 2 Nuthatches and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
2 skeins of Pink footed Geese (1 x 180 +1 x 25) heading South.
1 skein of 6 Greylag Geese heading towards Rixton tip.
Large numbers of Starlings flocking over the former landfill, then settling on the adjacent crane.
Rob Smith said
Thu Nov 19 7:59 PM, 2020
Dropped in briefly this morning.
Starling - 2000+ circling frantically in tight formation over the east side of the mossland but couldn't see what or where the raptor - presumably, was among all those birds!
Returned again at dusk.
Common Snipe - 17 coming off the mossland
Woodcock - 2
Canada Geese - 30 dropping onto mossland
Carrion Crows - 200+, into roost unfortunately?
John Watson said
Mon Mar 23 5:19 PM, 2020
Chiffchaff singing. If this is the 1st for the site this year, it's a typical date
Great Spotted Woodpecker Nuthatch 2+ Buzzard 6+, seems to be great weather for them today
Surprisingly few visitors, maybe they're all in Wales & Norfolk
Dave Steel said
Tue Feb 18 7:16 PM, 2020
A Wander with My old Team Tuesday WEA Class 0945-1245
1 Grey Heron
3 Buzzard
2 Sparrowhawk 1 Female 1 Male
1 Kestrel
10 Lapwing
1 Snipe
1 Song Thrush in song
2 Goldcrest in song
1 Willow Tit in song
3 Nuthatch.
John Williams said
Thu Dec 5 4:08 PM, 2019
12.00-13.30
No sign of any Willow Tits around the feeders, just 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and
common garden birds plus half a dozen squirrels.
1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel and 1 Raven were over the mossland, plus a steady procession of
gulls visiting nearby Rixton Landfill.
Rob Smith said
Mon Nov 18 8:20 PM, 2019
Dropped in at dusk to see what's moving through on a cold evening.
S E Owl - came off mossland & flew north
Woodcock - 2 off mossland & flew NE
Common Snipe - 14 off mossland
Fieldfare - 30+ dropped into the Central Coppice
Corvids - 300+ mostly Carrion but a few jackdaws
Canade Geese - 35 flew low to the west
John Williams said
Sun Oct 27 4:49 PM, 2019
Brief visit to the reserve this morning 10.00-11.30, in sunshine for a change.
5 Buzzards were soaring across the moss, One Buzzard was being mobbed by a couple of crows,
then 8 more joined in the fun, and finally around 20 corvids attacked the raptor which was struggling
to gain height. The Buzzard finally gave up and dashed into the safety of some bushes on the edge of the moss.
A Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel were also in flight over the moss, and for a while the hawk also opted to have a go
mobbing a Buzzard, but it appeared only to be a token gesture.
I spent a few minutes at the feeding station, which was well stocked with nuts etc, but the area appeared devoid
of life, not even the usual squirrels were there, I had seen a Sparrowhawk zooming through the woodland moments before
though.
John Watson said
Tue Aug 20 9:37 AM, 2019
1 Hobby (prob juv) at about 16:30 1 Sparrowhawk (ad m)
Woodland Feeding Station: 2m Yellowhammers, 1m+1f Bullfinches and 2 Jays. 1 Goldcrest was seen elsewhere in the woods.
Plenty of Chaffinches were below the feeders but no sign of Brambling, no sign of any Willow Tits either.
John O'Neill said
Sat Feb 2 7:11 PM, 2019
5.30pm
1 Woodcock , flying from the Moss
Charlotte Harrison said
Sun Jan 13 4:39 PM, 2019
Sorry for the late posting, but some highlights from my trip to Risley Moss on 8th Jan 2019:
2 Short-eared Owls hunting across the moss at exactly 16:53. I was only able to see them in flight once, as the light was quickly fading. I could hear them calling across the moss though so knew they were still there.
1 (male) Tawny Owl calling in the woods behind the moss.
Thanks,
Charlotte
John Watson said
Sat Dec 29 7:10 PM, 2018
Late pm, 40 mins after sunset (note, reserve closes at 5pm, but pedestrians can escape via turnstile at any time)
2 Woodcock off the moss, flew over trees
1-2 Short-Eared Owls
1 Tawny Owl (h)
And a really annoying drone being flown around illegally & dangerously (see separate thread)
Rob Smith said
Thu Dec 13 6:51 PM, 2018
A cold dusk bird watch between 4 - 5pm, was well worth it.
Short-eared Owl - 1 definitely, 2 possibly. The first came off the mossland & flew north, returning 5' later high overhead & heading out west and then turned north. 20' later the same/or another was jinking over the mossland as it was being harassed by crows in the failing light before dropping back onto the mossland!
Tawny Owl - 1 calling from woods
Woodcock - 5 off mossland & heading NE
Common Snipe - 24 off mossland
Crows - ca300+ into roost
JOHN TYMON said
Tue Sep 18 4:12 PM, 2018
This morning
1 Juvenile Hobby
4 Kestrel
1 Sparrowhawk
2 Yellow Wagtail flying south
2 Tree Pipit flying south
House Martin and Swallow fairly constant trickle south
Chiffchaff-2
Rob Smith said
Sat Aug 25 7:24 PM, 2018
Hobby - 2 immatures hawking spasmodically over the mossland
Kestrel - 1
Sparrowhawk - male
Common Buzzard - 3 around area
Swallows - 30+ over bottom coppice area, occasionally harassing the hobby as did some crows
House Martin - 20 in same area
Nuthatch - 3 very noisey individuals near woodland hide
Chiffchaff & Willow Warbler also noted
JOHN TYMON said
Sat Jun 9 2:48 PM, 2018
A surprise today was 2 Woodcock that flew towards me and over my head while I was leaning on the new boarded walkway across the small moss by the car park, also regular Hobby on Moss.
Craig Higson said
Mon Jun 4 8:06 PM, 2018
Single Hobby over the moss. Distant but putting on a great performance
John Williams said
Tue May 29 5:11 PM, 2018
13.30-16.00
1 Red Kite
(Thanks to the photographer who spotted what we thought at first was just another Buzzard soaring high over the moss,
until when viewed through bins when a very apparent fork tailed and wing patches were noticed.)
The bird drifted off northwards and did not re-appear.
1 Hobby putting on a tremendous aerial display and seen to catch and eat a few dragonflies in flight.
4 Buzzards were over the moss, one was seen to flush and chase a Lapwing.
The Lapwing circled and landed back onto the moss giving the impression they might be breeding here.
A dozen Swifts drifted across the moss heading NE.
John Williams said
Mon Jan 22 2:19 PM, 2018
10.00-13.00
Feeding Station :
1 Willow Tit, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Jays and 1 Buzzard.
Below the feeders 12 Grey Squirrels dominated the ground level, although as I left a small group of Chaffinches were
brave enough to feed amongst the rodents.
The woodpeckers and Jays were territorial and chasing each other around the wood.
The buzzard shot through the dense woodland with great agility, and with 2 crows in close pursuit.
The Mossland :
The sad remains of the burnt down tower still remain, and are fenced off, although the area in front is still accessible.
4 Buzzards were over the moss, whilst a single Grey Wagtail flew along the edge of the wood.
Carrion Crows dominated the moss, with larger numbers on the nearby Rixton tip.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 9th of May 2018 10:05:23 PM
Rob Smith said
Wed Dec 27 7:38 PM, 2017
Checking out local activity at dusk.
Common Snipe - 25 coming off mossland Woodcock - 1 off mossland Magpie - 12 into centre coppice roost Jackdaws - ca100 into woodland roost Crows - ca150 into same roost area Blackbirds- 12 into rhodis in front of viewpoint Reed Bunting - 6 into similar area
JOHN TYMON said
Sun Sep 3 9:33 PM, 2017
2nd Aug
2 Hobby and Adult and a Juvenile .The Adult seen passing a swallow to the youngster in flight
A Hobby gave a sensational display as it swooped low over the moss, and at one point was only around 20ft from the viewing area.
Meanwhile a Common Whitethroat flitted around on the stems of bracken below the view point, which was probably a very wise
move with "Falco Subbuteo" about. The little bird never once ventured onto the tops of the bracken.
3 Buzzards soared on thermals to a really impressive height over the moss.
Meanwhile, several Black-headed Gulls also soared over the moss and appeared to indicate a hatch of flying insects, which they caught and
consumed in flight "Hobby" style.
Also seen a couple of Kestrel over the reserve,Common Tern,Buzzard,a few House Martins and Swifts as well as fly over Lesser Black Backed and Black Headed Gulls.
Kestrel. Sparrowhawk and Buzzard all up hunting over the Moss.
7 pink footed Geese SE at 11.30
Sparrowhawk-1
Buzzard - 3
1 hobby. 1 kestrel. From the view point 2.15 pm
2 hobby pm
Late post for 16/05/23 -
2 Hobbies seen between 13:45 - 14:15 from from former Tower Hide vew point.
2 Hobby very high above the moss this afternoon, always nice to see them back.
Woodcock - 4, off mossland
Common Snipe - 12, off mossland
Water Rail - calling nearby
A dusk watch
Woodcock - 1,
Common Snipe - 15, off mossland
Canada Geese - 10, dropping onto mossland
Water Rail - 2, calling from edge of mossland
Tawny Owl - 1,
Carrion Crow - 150+, with most coming in & uncountable at dusk
This morning
2 Hobby although distant and very high
Female Marsh Harrier
Risley Moss short visit 11-20-13-15hrs.
3 Hobby...pair & 1st Summer Male
Singing birds included...
1 Reed Warbler
1 Song Thrush
1 Whitethroat
3 Blackcap
A female Marsh Harrier was reportedly seen earlier
I think 1st year birds have less distinct red "trousers", which might be what you interpreted as indicating juveniles. The behaviour doesn't sound like just-fledged, either
(I looked this up make sure)
A bit too early for Juv Hobby I would have thought ,yesterday 2 adults were present occasionally and a 1st summer bird has also been around locally ,normally Juv Hobby only appear late July onwards and expecially this year when the adults were still displaying locally 2 weeks ago after arriving very late ..? It would be unusual to Have This years fledged young so early feeding at Risley.
-- Edited by JOHN TYMON on Thursday 16th of June 2022 07:18:17 PM
site of old Tower Hide
At least two juv Hobbies putting on a spectacular show over moss, twisting and turning as they slalomed round bushes and small trees catching dragonflies. Occassionally landing to perch up and survey the area. Vocal; I suspect an adult bird was present somewhere. Ridiculously close at times.
A distant soaring Buzzard the only other raptor seen.
1 Hobby BRIEFLY this morning
4 Woodcock, one seen well
6 Snipe, heard only
2 Water Rail, heard only
All the action was at 17:05, exactly 50 mins after sunset
Clear evening with a gibbous moon illuminating the moss. A low heavy fog lay on the open space making the area look eerie and arcane, like Avalon (but with the sound of the M62 still audible.)
At least 2 Woodcock, possibly as many as 5, seen over low and v close .
A short wander around & then a dusk watch from OT area
Woodcock - 6
Common Snipe - 6
Water Rail - 2 calling in front of OT area
Canada Geese - 15 flew north along west side - 8 flew low east across moss
Teal - no numbers but quite a few calling out on the moss
Corvid flock - 350+ (crows/jackdaws/Rook)
Song Thrush - surprised to hear singing nearby, (cf Mistle Thrush singing for a couple of weeks now)
Treecreeper - 2 singing near front gate
Nuthatch - 3 active around woods
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 29th of December 2021 10:21:22 PM
Late records from Saturday.
Water Rail - 1, calling in front of where tower was!
Sparrowhawk - 1, female across front of area
Carrion Crows -200+, inc 1 with white wings
Late post for Thursday 16th September - brief afternoon visit
Definitely 1 possibly 2 Hobby over over the moss - could have been the same bird
Buzzard, Kestrel, Nuthatch, 2 Bullfinch & Jay heard.
The woodland hide was deserted never seen it so quiet.
2-30pm to 4-30pm.
Although the Woodland Hide is closed due to Covid & vandalism the feeders & tables are still clearly visible from the left of the hide & well stocked - of note :-
M & F Chaffinch; F Greenfinch; Nuthatch ; Willow, Coal & Long-Tailed Tits & the highlight both male (with red nape) & female Great Spotted Woodpeckers drilling out what I think is a silver birch tree.
Near Mossland Hide another G S Woodpecker was seen with 2 Buzzards circling at tree top height.
The moss was strangely devoid of any birds.
-- Edited by Lez Fairclough on Thursday 4th of March 2021 08:39:00 PM
-- Edited by Lez Fairclough on Thursday 4th of March 2021 08:40:26 PM
Dusk vigil proved interesting (apart from great views of new Moon & Jupiter & Saturn conjunction)
Canada Geese - 80 flew low to the west
Woodcock - 4, usual route overhead & out NE
Common Snipe - 20, up off mossland
Lapwing - 200, circling over southern boundary
Short eared Owl - 1, hunting over mossland after dusk
Water Rail - 2 calling from reeds in front of observation point
Magpies - 20+, into usual roost area
Corvid flock - 400+ into roost
4.40 pm
1 Woodcock over Moss in gathering dark
A late flying Buzzard was mobbed by Carrion Crows
Woodland : 2 Nuthatches and 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
Mossland : 1 Buzzard, 1 Grey Heron, 1 Raven and 4 Jays.
2 skeins of Pink footed Geese (1 x 180 +1 x 25) heading South.
1 skein of 6 Greylag Geese heading towards Rixton tip.
Large numbers of Starlings flocking over the former landfill, then settling on the adjacent crane.
Dropped in briefly this morning.
Starling - 2000+ circling frantically in tight formation over the east side of the mossland but couldn't see what or where the raptor - presumably, was among all those birds!
Returned again at dusk.
Common Snipe - 17 coming off the mossland
Woodcock - 2
Canada Geese - 30 dropping onto mossland
Carrion Crows - 200+, into roost unfortunately?
Great Spotted Woodpecker
Nuthatch 2+
Buzzard 6+, seems to be great weather for them today
Surprisingly few visitors, maybe they're all in Wales & Norfolk
A Wander with My old Team Tuesday WEA Class 0945-1245
1 Grey Heron
3 Buzzard
2 Sparrowhawk 1 Female 1 Male
1 Kestrel
10 Lapwing
1 Snipe
1 Song Thrush in song
2 Goldcrest in song
1 Willow Tit in song
3 Nuthatch.
No sign of any Willow Tits around the feeders, just 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker and
common garden birds plus half a dozen squirrels.
1 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel and 1 Raven were over the mossland, plus a steady procession of
gulls visiting nearby Rixton Landfill.
Dropped in at dusk to see what's moving through on a cold evening.
S E Owl - came off mossland & flew north
Woodcock - 2 off mossland & flew NE
Common Snipe - 14 off mossland
Fieldfare - 30+ dropped into the Central Coppice
Corvids - 300+ mostly Carrion but a few jackdaws
Canade Geese - 35 flew low to the west
5 Buzzards were soaring across the moss, One Buzzard was being mobbed by a couple of crows,
then 8 more joined in the fun, and finally around 20 corvids attacked the raptor which was struggling
to gain height. The Buzzard finally gave up and dashed into the safety of some bushes on the edge of the moss.
A Sparrowhawk and a Kestrel were also in flight over the moss, and for a while the hawk also opted to have a go
mobbing a Buzzard, but it appeared only to be a token gesture.
I spent a few minutes at the feeding station, which was well stocked with nuts etc, but the area appeared devoid
of life, not even the usual squirrels were there, I had seen a Sparrowhawk zooming through the woodland moments before
though.
1 Sparrowhawk (ad m)
2-3 Bullfinch (h)
1 Chiffchaff (h)
1+ Willow Warbler (h)
1 Whitethroat (h)
v distantly, over Rixton fields
5+ Swift
150+ House Martin
1+ Swallow
1 Buzzard displaying
Good views of an adult Hobby hunting over the moss, around 1430 today.
A single Hobby gave a tremendous aerial display over the moss, and quite close to the viewing area.
It was seen catching and eating what appeared to be large flying insects, although the nearest thing to a dragonfly seen
from the viewing area was a single Large Red Damselfly. There were numerous large bumblebees around, so perhaps some
of those were taken?. Also above the moss and riding the thermals were 2 Buzzards and a single Sparrowhawk.
Mossland : 4 Buzzards, 2 Kestrels, 2 Ravens and 1 Reed Bunting.
Woodland Feeding Station: 2m Yellowhammers, 1m+1f Bullfinches and 2 Jays. 1 Goldcrest was seen elsewhere in the woods.
Plenty of Chaffinches were below the feeders but no sign of Brambling, no sign of any Willow Tits either.
1 Woodcock , flying from the Moss
Sorry for the late posting, but some highlights from my trip to Risley Moss on 8th Jan 2019:
2 Short-eared Owls hunting across the moss at exactly 16:53. I was only able to see them in flight once, as the light was quickly fading. I could hear them calling across the moss though so knew they were still there.
1 (male) Tawny Owl calling in the woods behind the moss.
Thanks,
Charlotte
2 Woodcock off the moss, flew over trees
1-2 Short-Eared Owls
1 Tawny Owl (h)
And a really annoying drone being flown around illegally & dangerously (see separate thread)
A cold dusk bird watch between 4 - 5pm, was well worth it.
Short-eared Owl - 1 definitely, 2 possibly. The first came off the mossland & flew north, returning 5' later high overhead & heading out west and then turned north. 20' later the same/or another was jinking over the mossland as it was being harassed by crows in the failing light before dropping back onto the mossland!
Tawny Owl - 1 calling from woods
Woodcock - 5 off mossland & heading NE
Common Snipe - 24 off mossland
Crows - ca300+ into roost
This morning
1 Juvenile Hobby
4 Kestrel
1 Sparrowhawk
2 Yellow Wagtail flying south
2 Tree Pipit flying south
House Martin and Swallow fairly constant trickle south
Chiffchaff-2
Hobby - 2 immatures hawking spasmodically over the mossland
Kestrel - 1
Sparrowhawk - male
Common Buzzard - 3 around area
Swallows - 30+ over bottom coppice area, occasionally harassing the hobby as did some crows
House Martin - 20 in same area
Nuthatch - 3 very noisey individuals near woodland hide
Chiffchaff & Willow Warbler also noted
A surprise today was 2 Woodcock that flew towards me and over my head while I was leaning on the new boarded walkway across the small moss by the car park, also regular Hobby on Moss.
1 Red Kite
(Thanks to the photographer who spotted what we thought at first was just another Buzzard soaring high over the moss,
until when viewed through bins when a very apparent fork tailed and wing patches were noticed.)
The bird drifted off northwards and did not re-appear.
1 Hobby putting on a tremendous aerial display and seen to catch and eat a few dragonflies in flight.
4 Buzzards were over the moss, one was seen to flush and chase a Lapwing.
The Lapwing circled and landed back onto the moss giving the impression they might be breeding here.
A dozen Swifts drifted across the moss heading NE.
10.00-13.00
Feeding Station :
1 Willow Tit, 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers, 4 Jays and 1 Buzzard.
Below the feeders 12 Grey Squirrels dominated the ground level, although as I left a small group of Chaffinches were
brave enough to feed amongst the rodents.
The woodpeckers and Jays were territorial and chasing each other around the wood.
The buzzard shot through the dense woodland with great agility, and with 2 crows in close pursuit.
The Mossland :
The sad remains of the burnt down tower still remain, and are fenced off, although the area in front is still accessible.
4 Buzzards were over the moss, whilst a single Grey Wagtail flew along the edge of the wood.
Carrion Crows dominated the moss, with larger numbers on the nearby Rixton tip.
-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Wednesday 9th of May 2018 10:05:23 PM
Common Snipe - 25 coming off mossland
Woodcock - 1 off mossland
Magpie - 12 into centre coppice roost
Jackdaws - ca100 into woodland roost
Crows - ca150 into same roost area
Blackbirds- 12 into rhodis in front of viewpoint
Reed Bunting - 6 into similar area
2nd Aug
2 Hobby and Adult and a Juvenile .The Adult seen passing a swallow to the youngster in flight