This afternoon on a visit to check survey mats for Lancashire Amphibian and Reptile Group:
Good numbers of swallows and house martins on the fields to the railway, saw a fair few at the moss too but was mostly looking at the ground for obvious reasons! 2 willow warbler and a hovering kestrel on the moss, a reed bunting and at least 3 yellowhammer singing.
Oliver Morris said
Fri Jun 7 8:06 AM, 2024
Late afternoon circle of the moss yesterday. Of interest: swallows, swifts, linnets, at least 2 (up to 4) yellowhammers singing, plenty of willow warbler, and a hovering kestrel.
Nick Isherwood said
Mon Apr 26 9:05 PM, 2021
Four Golden Plovers (2m,2f) present this evening on the fallow field by Highfield farm.
Nick Isherwood said
Wed May 13 1:21 PM, 2020
Early morning loop.
7 Whitethroats
5 Blackcaps
5 Willow Warblers
Still good numbers of Tree Sparrows present plus all the usuals.
Nick Isherwood said
Fri May 8 8:37 AM, 2020
Cuckoo present this morning calling from the eastern side.
Nick Isherwood said
Wed May 6 10:54 AM, 2020
Another circuit this morning.
6 Willow Warblers
6 Whitethroats
5 Blackcaps
2 Yellow Wagtails
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
7 Stock Doves
Good numbers of Tree Sparrows again.
Lawrence Hindley said
Mon May 4 2:19 PM, 2020
I can also add one male Wheatear to Nick's list also early morning.
Nick Isherwood said
Mon May 4 8:54 AM, 2020
This mornings venture.
6 Willow Warblers
5 Blackcaps
6 Whitethroats
1 Chiffchaff
1 Yellow Wagtail
Good numbers of Tree Sparrows present this morning too.
Nick Isherwood said
Fri May 1 8:35 AM, 2020
Another early morning mooch today.
6 Willow Warblers
4 Blackcaps
4 Whitethroats
1 Chiffchaff
2 Wheatears - m,f
2 Swallows
Nick Isherwood said
Wed Apr 29 9:37 AM, 2020
This mornings loop of the moss.
7 Willow Warblers
3 Whitethroats
1 Blackcap
1 Chiffchaff
2 Wheatears m,f
1 Whinchat - male. It spent its whole time whilst watching it feeding off the short mown grass of the model aircraft club field with the two Wheatears.
Good numbers of Lapwings on the surrounding fields as well. Probably the most Ive seen down here in years.
Nick Isherwood said
Wed Apr 22 8:58 AM, 2020
Morning circuit.
7 Willow Warblers
1 Whitethroat
1 Blackcap
1 Chiffchaff
2 Shelduck
Plus the usuals
Nick Isherwood said
Mon Apr 20 9:44 AM, 2020
This mornings mooch.
6 Willow Warblers
1 Blackcap
1 Whitethroat
6 Swallows
Plus the usuals.
John Watson said
Sat Apr 18 11:43 AM, 2020
I'm pretty sure wood pigeon can only be shot to protect crops actually growing, and not for food or sport. Any time of year Not allowed to shoot within 25 yards (I think) of public right of way, and anything else is trespassing with a weapon Obviously breaching CV guidelines, and a firearms offence I'd have called the police - they take firearms offences seriously
I don't think exercising a Harris hawk is a risk to wildlife, don't think they can catch birds, they're too slow. It'll be rabbits Whereas I don't agree with falconry, it's reasonable to exercise these birds, so not really breaching CV guidelines I guess
-- Edited by John Watson on Saturday 18th of April 2020 11:44:45 AM
Nick Isherwood said
Sat Apr 18 9:28 AM, 2020
Early morning loop of the moss.
1 Whinchat - male
2 Shelduck
5 Willow Warblers
1 Chiffchaff
There was also a pigeon shooter with hide and decoys set up near to the railway line but he had gone on my return. Also two guys hunting with a Harris hawk. Not sure how this complies with the current government lockdown but it appears people are bending the guidelines to suit their own activities.
Nick Isherwood said
Thu Apr 16 8:51 AM, 2020
This mornings circuit.
10 Willow Warblers
1 Chiffchaff
1 Blackcap
2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers
Plus the usual Reed Buntings, Yellowhammers, Meadow Pipits, Linnets.
Nick Isherwood said
Mon Apr 13 9:06 AM, 2020
Very cold northerly wind this morning.
1 Whitethroat - the first of the year here. 6 Willow Warblers
1 Chiffchaff
1 Peregrine through west
Nick Isherwood said
Mon Apr 22 8:14 AM, 2019
This morning 6.00 - 7.30.
1 Whinchat - male
1 Cuckoo - heard several times but not seen
2 Whitethroat
2 Wheatear
4 Willow Warblers
Plus the usuals.
Nick Isherwood said
Sun Feb 24 2:15 PM, 2019
Two Stonechats present yesterday during my walk.
Nick Isherwood said
Sun Apr 30 10:54 PM, 2017
Over 50% of the moss has recently been scorched (which is an almost annual event), but new growth is already beginning to show. At least six Wheatears present this morning on the blackened ground plus another four on the airstrip. Also, a female Whinchat down near the southern boundary.
Other birds in attendance were at least three Whitethroats, two Blackcaps and nine Willow Warblers.
Nick Isherwood said
Sat Feb 4 5:09 PM, 2017
Good, close views of a female Merlin with prey this morning as it flew towards me on the moss and briefly alighted in a tree. Other than that it was very quiet.
Nick Isherwood said
Sun Oct 23 11:31 AM, 2016
This morning 8.30 - 10.00.
Fantastic views of a Peregrine chasing Woodpigeon this morning over the airstrip.
c150 Pink footed geese over north west
10 Grey Partridge
c25 Redwings over south plus a few in the hedges to the north of the moss
c20 Fieldfare over north
c80 Skylarks loafing around the fields with some moving through south too
4 Buzzards
2 Kestrels
2 Goldcrests
c100 Black headed gulls on the fields with several Common and Lesser Black backed mixed in.
Nick Isherwood said
Sun Sep 25 2:21 PM, 2016
This morning 9.00 - 10.30. First visit down here in a while.
Not much around at ground level but really good numbers of Swallows and House Martins moving through southwards. In the 90 minutes i was present over 150 of them must have moved through. In addition to this there were also good numbers of Skylark on the move as well.
Other birds present were:
4 Great Spotted Woodpecker
2 Snipe
10 Grey Partridge
c30 Tree Sparrows (2 flocks)
John Watson said
Fri Aug 12 7:51 AM, 2016
Planning meeting 16th August More details in other thread: http://www.manchesterbirding.activeboard.com/t61567660/highfield-moss-lowton-planning-application/?page=1#lastPostAnchor
Apologies for wrong-threading, but it's important
dave broome said
Sat Jun 11 1:35 PM, 2016
Corn Bunting south of the moss this morning
Nick Isherwood said
Sat May 14 5:46 PM, 2016
Early morning foray from 6.00-8.00am. Of note were:
1 Corn Bunting
1 Yellow Wagtail - male
7 pairs of Grey Partridge
Nick Isherwood said
Sun May 8 11:48 AM, 2016
A good morning on the moss today. A Red Kite was circling near to the Travellers Rest pub and remained for about twenty minutes before drifting off west. This is the second Red Kite I've had down here now.
Whilst watching the Kite, a call from above drew my attention to a Hobby which was circling right above me. This soared away southwards after a few minutes.
Other notable birds present were:
6 Sand Martins through west.
5 Whitethroats
4 Willow Warblers
Nick Isherwood said
Sat Mar 19 11:26 AM, 2016
My first visit this morning for two months or so.
Non breeding plumage adult Little Gull feeding and loafing with several Black headed gulls on the arable field to the north of the railway line near to Highfield farm. I watched it for around fifteen minutes and it came incredibly close at times giving excellent views. A massive tick for the moss!
Other notables were a single Coal Tit in the woods and also around thirty Fieldfares in the stubble field near the railway line.
John Watson said
Sat Jan 30 12:24 PM, 2016
Please note that there is a planning application for increasing usage of the adjacent airstrip
See this link for all discussion & if you want to object: http://www.manchesterbirding.activeboard.com/t61567660/highfield-moss-lowton-planning-application
Deadline for objections is 19th February 2016
John
dave broome said
Wed Jan 27 9:48 PM, 2016
birds present today included 3 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 41 Fieldfare and a Skylark in song briefly
DavidBowman said
Wed Dec 16 5:58 PM, 2015
Went for a pre-dusk wander round the Moss, looking for the recent Short-eared Owl. No luck but did turn up Barn and Tawny Owls, plus a roost of c.120 Redwings and 30 Fieldfares. Disappointing to see that the small, wet birch copse where the Willow Tits breed has been completely cut down.
Nick Isherwood said
Sat Oct 17 6:58 PM, 2015
A good morning on the moss today with plenty of visible migration on show.
c565 Pink-footed Geese through South eastwards (80,20,25,220,35,45 and 140) 12 Buzzards - all on the ground in the field to the north of the line. A recently deceased fox in this field too which may be the reason for all the Buzzards though they were no where near it at the time. My largest ever count. c80 Linnets c20 Pied Wagtails c100 Black-headed Gulls c20 Lesser black-backed gulls. 1 Merlin - female came through southwards with prey. First of the autumn. 1 Sparrowhawk - female. c200 Skylarks - birds moving through constantly during my two hour visit. 1 Goldcrest
Nick Isherwood said
Sun Oct 4 2:49 PM, 2015
This morning 8.30-10.00am.
Male Stonechat on the edge of the corn field. Coal Tit with other mixed tits by the railway line. Chiffchaff in mixed tit flock by the air strip. c150 Black headed gulls on the recently scabbled field north of the line. Several Pied Wagtails and two Buzzards also in this field. Several Skylarks and Meadow Pipits moving through southwards.
Nick Isherwood said
Sun Sep 6 7:16 PM, 2015
Another jaunt from 8.00 - 10.00 this morning.
Not very much at all going on at first until I reached the South east corner where I spied a Lesser Whitethroat on top of the hedge by the airstrip. I watched it at distance for a few seconds until it dropped down into the hedge. I moved forward with the hope of getting better views but whilst doing this I picked up a high pitched call of a wader coming in from the north. A quick scan soon picked up a Grey Plover heading southwards and right over my head giving really good views as it disappeared into the distance. A good site tick and the second one I've had here on migration in the last few years.
Other notables were singles of Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff. Also quite a few House Martins trickling through southwards.
Nick Isherwood said
Sat Sep 5 1:18 PM, 2015
7.45 - 9.45 this morning.
Brief views of a Spotted Flycatcher on the southern edge. c80 Swallows over the stubble field to the north of the line. c300 Linnets on the field to the east of the airstrip. Single Chiffchaff with flock of tits. Two Buzzards and a female Kestrel over the moss itself. Large fox by the corn field.
Nick Isherwood said
Mon Aug 31 6:39 PM, 2015
9.00 - 10.30 this morning during intermittent rain.
One or two migrants about mostly on the north side of the railway. The moss itself was very quiet.
Tree Pipit - Good views as it appeared to take off from the crop field and flew right past me 'buzzing' away as it flew South. 2 Sedge Warblers with two Whitethroats in the verge to the corn field. A massive flock (at least 250 birds) of mostly Linnets plus a few Goldfinches and Greenfinches feeding on the stubble field with at least 70 Swallows. Female Sparrowhawk flew in from the north sending everything scattering. Great views as it singled out a Linnet and took it mid flight. Also noted were a single Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler.
Nick Isherwood said
Sun Aug 23 1:05 PM, 2015
7.00 - 8.30 this morning.
A Hobby through southwards at 7.30. c1000 Woodpigeon on the stubble field north of the line. Roving mixed flocks of Linnets, Goldfinches and Greenfinches. A single Chiffchaff on the eastern side.
Otherwise fairly quiet.
Pete Astles said
Sun Jun 14 1:06 PM, 2015
Rene Griffiths wrote:
Apologies in advance for asking this in the bird sighting thread - I looked but couldn't find a site guide regarding Highfield Moss, if there is one please could someone paste a link? If there isn't one can anyone advise where would be the best/safest place to park and if there are any "don't miss" areas?
Not sure there is a site guide you can either park on the a572 and walk on the public footpath by the travellers rest pub or park in the pub car park provided you buy a drink or I prefer to park on barrow lane which is a good birding spot in itself barrow land is the concrete road on parkside road between the railway bridge and the m6 and walk back to the moss via the public footpath signs alternatively park on Kenyon garden centre cross (with care) winwick lane and use the public footpath and across the airfield to the moss the site is fairly small and anywhere can turn things up but nick will know better than anyone best spots
Rene Griffiths said
Sun Jun 14 10:24 AM, 2015
Apologies in advance for asking this in the bird sighting thread - I looked but couldn't find a site guide regarding Highfield Moss, if there is one please could someone paste a link? If there isn't one can anyone advise where would be the best/safest place to park and if there are any "don't miss" areas?
Nick Isherwood said
Sun May 17 10:08 AM, 2015
Late post from yesterday morning.
No sign of any Cuckoos or Wheatears though it was very windy and a lot of birds were keeping down.
5 Whitethroats 5 Willow Warblers
Plus the usuals.
Nick Isherwood said
Wed May 13 8:53 PM, 2015
What's the saying? When it rains, it pours?
Two male Cuckoos present tonight. Both birds were very mobile as they were constantly harassed by the Meadow Pipit population. Nevertheless, great views were had as the birds flitted between tree and bush. I'm surprised they were around to be honest as the model airplane club were hosting a huge gathering on the airstrip next door.
In addition to this there has also been an influx of Wheatears. Ten birds were present with four of the males being the Greenland variety.
Also:
6 Whitethroats 5 Willow Warblers
Nick Isherwood said
Sat May 9 11:10 AM, 2015
Mega patch tick this morning in the form of a male Cuckoo that was hanging around the eastern side of the moss and causing chaos amongst the Meadow Pipit population. I got one really good look at it when it perched in a dead tree but generally it was quite elusive and I only managed another couple of glimpses of it. I'm fairly sure it was still present when I left.
A Sedge Warbler was singing by the rape field to the north of the line as well. These are annual in this spot but never seem to hang around for long.
Other birds were:
7 Whitethroats 8 Willow Warblers 1 Blackcap 3 Wheatears -all females on the ploughed field South of the railway. 2 Grey Partridges A steady movement of Swifts as well.
Nick Isherwood said
Sat May 2 10:14 AM, 2015
8.30 - 10.00 this morning in biting conditions.
Ploughed field to the north of the airstrip held.
2 Yellow Wagtails (m,f) 3 White Wagtails 2 Wheatear - both female. 1 Common Gull 2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls c20 Black-headed Gulls c20 Linnets 5 Skylarks 8 Lapwings
1 Lesser Whitethroat - quite a skulky bird on the ditch line north of the railway near the corn field. 4 Whitethroat - The first of the year down here. Two males singing in separate locations plus two males together moving along the hedge line by the airstrip. 7 Willow Warblers 1 Wheatear 2 Buzzards
Plus the usuals.
The airstrip now appears to have become the home of a model aircraft club and flying has been happening everyday now for about the last week. Yesterday morning one guy was flying his model jet fighter at about 8.30. It seems you can't go anywhere these days to get some peace and quiet!
Nick Isherwood said
Mon Apr 20 9:03 PM, 2015
This evening 6.30 - 8.00.
4 Wheatears 6 Willow Warblers
Plus the usuals.
Nick Isherwood said
Thu Apr 16 5:56 PM, 2015
3 Wheatears (2m,1f) and at least 5 singing Willow Warblers present this afternoon.
Nick Isherwood said
Sat Apr 11 10:19 AM, 2015
Between the tree felling by LWT and the torching of the grass by the local kids the moss looks more like the surface of the moon. However, the scorched grass held two male Wheatears and two Willow Warblers and a Swallow made it feel more spring-like.
Paul Richardson said
Tue Apr 7 10:14 PM, 2015
Couple of hours here this afternoon from half two. Gorgeous afternoon, but pretty quiet bird-wise. Maybe the wrong time of a warm day!
1 Kestrel (f) 2 Common Buzzard 1 Goldcrest 1 Chiffchaff seen and others singing 1 Meadow Pipit on airstrip Numerous Robins and Wrens
Several tits, (great, blue and long-tailed), blackbirds.
Carrion crow & woodpigeon numerous
Site has certainly changed a lot in character - it's early days obviously in a long term management project.
Ian Boote said
Tue Mar 17 12:18 PM, 2015
Several Fieldfare and Meadow Pipit, 2 Grey Partridge, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Buzzard, Kestrel, mixed flock of 20 Tree and House Sparrow, . 8 Singing Yellowhammer and similar Reed Bunting. More work being done to remove the Birch scrub and rewet the moss. This has been badly needed on a Unique county site with unique County Species that was slowly being destroyed by drying out, increases in Birch Purple Moor Grass and Bracken. LWT have proven track record of doing this successfully locally IE Holcroft Moss.
Nick Isherwood said
Sat Mar 14 12:24 PM, 2015
The first Chiffchaff of spring present this morning down on the moss. Also decent numbers of Meadow Pipits, Reed Buntings and Yellowhammers singing. Upto 50 Fieldfares present near the airstrip and several displaying Lapwings to the north of the railway line.
LWT have been carrying out extensive tree felling on here over the last couple of months as part of their intention to 're-wet' the moss. Many of the silver birch have now been removed and the place looks much more open than before. Time will tell if this has any improvement on the area.
This afternoon on a visit to check survey mats for Lancashire Amphibian and Reptile Group:
Good numbers of swallows and house martins on the fields to the railway, saw a fair few at the moss too but was mostly looking at the ground for obvious reasons! 2 willow warbler and a hovering kestrel on the moss, a reed bunting and at least 3 yellowhammer singing.
Late afternoon circle of the moss yesterday. Of interest: swallows, swifts, linnets, at least 2 (up to 4) yellowhammers singing, plenty of willow warbler, and a hovering kestrel.
Four Golden Plovers (2m,2f) present this evening on the fallow field by Highfield farm.
Early morning loop.
7 Whitethroats
5 Blackcaps
5 Willow Warblers
Still good numbers of Tree Sparrows present plus all the usuals.
Cuckoo present this morning calling from the eastern side.
Another circuit this morning.
6 Willow Warblers
6 Whitethroats
5 Blackcaps
2 Yellow Wagtails
1 Great Spotted Woodpecker
7 Stock Doves
Good numbers of Tree Sparrows again.
This mornings venture.
6 Willow Warblers
5 Blackcaps
6 Whitethroats
1 Chiffchaff
1 Yellow Wagtail
Good numbers of Tree Sparrows present this morning too.
Another early morning mooch today.
6 Willow Warblers
4 Blackcaps
4 Whitethroats
1 Chiffchaff
2 Wheatears - m,f
2 Swallows
This mornings loop of the moss.
7 Willow Warblers
3 Whitethroats
1 Blackcap
1 Chiffchaff
2 Wheatears m,f
1 Whinchat - male. It spent its whole time whilst watching it feeding off the short mown grass of the model aircraft club field with the two Wheatears.
A few new sightings this morning.
2 Curlew over north east
1 Corn Bunting
1 Wheatear - the first of the year
6 Willow Warblers
1 Chiffchaff
1 Blackcap
2 Whitethroats
Good numbers of Lapwings on the surrounding fields as well. Probably the most Ive seen down here in years.
Morning circuit.
7 Willow Warblers
1 Whitethroat
1 Blackcap
1 Chiffchaff
2 Shelduck
Plus the usuals
This mornings mooch.
6 Willow Warblers
1 Blackcap
1 Whitethroat
6 Swallows
Plus the usuals.
Not allowed to shoot within 25 yards (I think) of public right of way, and anything else is trespassing with a weapon
Obviously breaching CV guidelines, and a firearms offence
I'd have called the police - they take firearms offences seriously
I don't think exercising a Harris hawk is a risk to wildlife, don't think they can catch birds, they're too slow. It'll be rabbits
Whereas I don't agree with falconry, it's reasonable to exercise these birds, so not really breaching CV guidelines I guess
-- Edited by John Watson on Saturday 18th of April 2020 11:44:45 AM
Early morning loop of the moss.
1 Whinchat - male
2 Shelduck
5 Willow Warblers
1 Chiffchaff
There was also a pigeon shooter with hide and decoys set up near to the railway line but he had gone on my return. Also two guys hunting with a Harris hawk. Not sure how this complies with the current government lockdown but it appears people are bending the guidelines to suit their own activities.
This mornings circuit.
10 Willow Warblers
1 Chiffchaff
1 Blackcap
2 Great Spotted Woodpeckers
Plus the usual Reed Buntings, Yellowhammers, Meadow Pipits, Linnets.
Very cold northerly wind this morning.
1 Whitethroat - the first of the year here.
6 Willow Warblers
1 Chiffchaff
1 Peregrine through west
This morning 6.00 - 7.30.
1 Whinchat - male
1 Cuckoo - heard several times but not seen
2 Whitethroat
2 Wheatear
4 Willow Warblers
Plus the usuals.
Two Stonechats present yesterday during my walk.
Over 50% of the moss has recently been scorched (which is an almost annual event), but new growth is already beginning to show. At least six Wheatears present this morning on the blackened ground plus another four on the airstrip. Also, a female Whinchat down near the southern boundary.
Other birds in attendance were at least three Whitethroats, two Blackcaps and nine Willow Warblers.
Good, close views of a female Merlin with prey this morning as it flew towards me on the moss and briefly alighted in a tree. Other than that it was very quiet.
This morning 8.30 - 10.00.
Fantastic views of a Peregrine chasing Woodpigeon this morning over the airstrip.
c150 Pink footed geese over north west
10 Grey Partridge
c25 Redwings over south plus a few in the hedges to the north of the moss
c20 Fieldfare over north
c80 Skylarks loafing around the fields with some moving through south too
4 Buzzards
2 Kestrels
2 Goldcrests
c100 Black headed gulls on the fields with several Common and Lesser Black backed mixed in.
This morning 9.00 - 10.30. First visit down here in a while.
Not much around at ground level but really good numbers of Swallows and House Martins moving through southwards. In the 90 minutes i was present over 150 of them must have moved through. In addition to this there were also good numbers of Skylark on the move as well.
Other birds present were:
4 Great Spotted Woodpecker
2 Snipe
10 Grey Partridge
c30 Tree Sparrows (2 flocks)
More details in other thread:
http://www.manchesterbirding.activeboard.com/t61567660/highfield-moss-lowton-planning-application/?page=1#lastPostAnchor
Apologies for wrong-threading, but it's important
Corn Bunting south of the moss this morning
Early morning foray from 6.00-8.00am. Of note were:
1 Corn Bunting
1 Yellow Wagtail - male
7 pairs of Grey Partridge
A good morning on the moss today. A Red Kite was circling near to the Travellers Rest pub and remained for about twenty minutes before drifting off west. This is the second Red Kite I've had down here now.
Whilst watching the Kite, a call from above drew my attention to a Hobby which was circling right above me. This soared away southwards after a few minutes.
Other notable birds present were:
6 Sand Martins through west.
5 Whitethroats
4 Willow Warblers
My first visit this morning for two months or so.
Non breeding plumage adult Little Gull feeding and loafing with several Black headed gulls on the arable field to the north of the railway line near to Highfield farm. I watched it for around fifteen minutes and it came incredibly close at times giving excellent views. A massive tick for the moss!
Other notables were a single Coal Tit in the woods and also around thirty Fieldfares in the stubble field near the railway line.
See this link for all discussion & if you want to object:
http://www.manchesterbirding.activeboard.com/t61567660/highfield-moss-lowton-planning-application
Deadline for objections is 19th February 2016
John
birds present today included 3 Buzzard, 1 Kestrel, 1 Sparrowhawk, 41 Fieldfare and a Skylark in song briefly
Went for a pre-dusk wander round the Moss, looking for the recent Short-eared Owl. No luck but did turn up Barn and Tawny Owls, plus a roost of c.120 Redwings and 30 Fieldfares. Disappointing to see that the small, wet birch copse where the Willow Tits breed has been completely cut down.
c565 Pink-footed Geese through South eastwards (80,20,25,220,35,45 and 140)
12 Buzzards - all on the ground in the field to the north of the line. A recently deceased fox in this field too which may be the reason for all the Buzzards though they were no where near it at the time. My largest ever count.
c80 Linnets
c20 Pied Wagtails
c100 Black-headed Gulls
c20 Lesser black-backed gulls.
1 Merlin - female came through southwards with prey. First of the autumn.
1 Sparrowhawk - female.
c200 Skylarks - birds moving through constantly during my two hour visit.
1 Goldcrest
Male Stonechat on the edge of the corn field.
Coal Tit with other mixed tits by the railway line.
Chiffchaff in mixed tit flock by the air strip.
c150 Black headed gulls on the recently scabbled field north of the line.
Several Pied Wagtails and two Buzzards also in this field.
Several Skylarks and Meadow Pipits moving through southwards.
Not very much at all going on at first until I reached the South east corner where I spied a Lesser Whitethroat on top of the hedge by the airstrip. I watched it at distance for a few seconds until it dropped down into the hedge. I moved forward with the hope of getting better views but whilst doing this I picked up a high pitched call of a wader coming in from the north. A quick scan soon picked up a Grey Plover heading southwards and right over my head giving really good views as it disappeared into the distance. A good site tick and the second one I've had here on migration in the last few years.
Other notables were singles of Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff. Also quite a few House Martins trickling through southwards.
Brief views of a Spotted Flycatcher on the southern edge.
c80 Swallows over the stubble field to the north of the line.
c300 Linnets on the field to the east of the airstrip.
Single Chiffchaff with flock of tits.
Two Buzzards and a female Kestrel over the moss itself.
Large fox by the corn field.
One or two migrants about mostly on the north side of the railway. The moss itself was very quiet.
Tree Pipit - Good views as it appeared to take off from the crop field and flew right past me 'buzzing' away as it flew South.
2 Sedge Warblers with two Whitethroats in the verge to the corn field.
A massive flock (at least 250 birds) of mostly Linnets plus a few Goldfinches and Greenfinches feeding on the stubble field with at least 70 Swallows.
Female Sparrowhawk flew in from the north sending everything scattering. Great views as it singled out a Linnet and took it mid flight.
Also noted were a single Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler.
A Hobby through southwards at 7.30.
c1000 Woodpigeon on the stubble field north of the line.
Roving mixed flocks of Linnets, Goldfinches and Greenfinches.
A single Chiffchaff on the eastern side.
Otherwise fairly quiet.
Not sure there is a site guide you can either park on the a572 and walk on the public footpath by the travellers rest pub or park in the pub car park provided you buy a drink or I prefer to park on barrow lane which is a good birding spot in itself barrow land is the concrete road on parkside road between the railway bridge and the m6 and walk back to the moss via the public footpath signs alternatively park on Kenyon garden centre cross (with care) winwick lane and use the public footpath and across the airfield to the moss the site is fairly small and anywhere can turn things up but nick will know better than anyone best spots
No sign of any Cuckoos or Wheatears though it was very windy and a lot of birds were keeping down.
5 Whitethroats
5 Willow Warblers
Plus the usuals.
Two male Cuckoos present tonight. Both birds were very mobile as they were constantly harassed by the Meadow Pipit population. Nevertheless, great views were had as the birds flitted between tree and bush. I'm surprised they were around to be honest as the model airplane club were hosting a huge gathering on the airstrip next door.
In addition to this there has also been an influx of Wheatears. Ten birds were present with four of the males being the Greenland variety.
Also:
6 Whitethroats
5 Willow Warblers
A Sedge Warbler was singing by the rape field to the north of the line as well. These are annual in this spot but never seem to hang around for long.
Other birds were:
7 Whitethroats
8 Willow Warblers
1 Blackcap
3 Wheatears -all females on the ploughed field South of the railway.
2 Grey Partridges
A steady movement of Swifts as well.
Ploughed field to the north of the airstrip held.
2 Yellow Wagtails (m,f)
3 White Wagtails
2 Wheatear - both female.
1 Common Gull
2 Lesser Black-backed Gulls
c20 Black-headed Gulls
c20 Linnets
5 Skylarks
8 Lapwings
Elsewhere on the moss.
4 Whitethroats
6 Willow Warblers
1 Blackcap
1 Kestrel
1 Lesser Whitethroat - quite a skulky bird on the ditch line north of the railway near the corn field.
4 Whitethroat - The first of the year down here. Two males singing in separate locations plus two males together moving along the hedge line by the airstrip.
7 Willow Warblers
1 Wheatear
2 Buzzards
Plus the usuals.
The airstrip now appears to have become the home of a model aircraft club and flying has been happening everyday now for about the last week. Yesterday morning one guy was flying his model jet fighter at about 8.30. It seems you can't go anywhere these days to get some peace and quiet!
4 Wheatears
6 Willow Warblers
Plus the usuals.
1 Kestrel (f)
2 Common Buzzard
1 Goldcrest
1 Chiffchaff seen and others singing
1 Meadow Pipit on airstrip
Numerous Robins and Wrens
Several tits, (great, blue and long-tailed), blackbirds.
Carrion crow & woodpigeon numerous
Site has certainly changed a lot in character - it's early days obviously in a long term management project.
LWT have been carrying out extensive tree felling on here over the last couple of months as part of their intention to 're-wet' the moss. Many of the silver birch have now been removed and the place looks much more open than before. Time will tell if this has any improvement on the area.