Walked up the road from the Hare & Hounds at Mill Brow to the top (Derbyshire). Some of the habitat here is in better shape than walking Sandhill Lane, but it still held precious little. Most notable was a loose flock (with starlings) of mistle thrushes in the high 20's, and about 20 meadow pipits on fields either side of Gun Rd. It's a long walk though, and if not for the butterflies would not have been worth it.
A couple of hours p.m. was mostly underwhelming, the only notable encounter was with 50+ linnets which moved through SE & SW (stopping briefly) in two groups of c20 and 30+.
Not much to report on the bird front. 6 Tree Sparrows were the best of a meagre 24 species seen. Better things on 'Other Wildlife'.
On the other hand plenty to report on habitat changes/alternations:
- The conifers and woodland between Cloughend Farm and Hillside Farm is currently being partly felled (trees under the pylon wires). Tawny Owl roost. - New pylons are lying in the fields waiting to be erected. Not sure if these are replacements or additional. - The trail bikers continue to tear up the SBI habitat above and below the quarry. I have reported this to Stockport Council but it seems they are powerless to prevent this. - The field between April Cottage and Cloughend Bungalow has been strimmed and mowed and a channel for drainage is currently being dug. This was where Barn Owl once hunted. - Similarly, the Red-throated Pipit field has had all rushes strimmed to allow a few extra sheep to graze. - A 2 foot ditch has been dug along Gun Road parallel to this field to aid drainage. - Extensive muck spreading over the stony field adjacent to the quarry pool.
Enjoy your cheap legs of lamb. They carry an environmental cost.
Green Woodpecker (juv) was feeding by the quarry. The first of the year for me up here. An adult Hobby mobbed by a dozen Swallows at Far Bradshaw Also at Far Bradshaw was a Whinchat. Presumably the same as yesterday's bird at the quarry
Also: Buzzard 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Kestrel 1 Meadow Pipit 32 Swallow 23 Linnet 8 Goldfinch 42 Redpoll 2 heard Reed Bunting 6 Whitethroat 3 including at least 1 juvenile
32 Swallow (23 of these near the Kennels in Derbyshire though) 4 Chiffchaff 3 Linnet 3 Swift 3 Willow Warbler 2 Meadow Pipit 2 Buzzard 2 Reed Bunting 1 Whitethroat 1 Redpoll (Though I had more last week)
Additions this afternoon to the last report on here 2 days ago were singing common whitethroat and garden warbler, and a couple of ravens which invaded the air-space of a pair of curlews who promptly saw them off no bother! Most of the curlews still around, but no other waders where I looked (which was not that widely really). Sad to see the mess that the Canada geese have made around the quarry pond. A pity their breeding attempt has been successful. Last year I think a fox predated the nest, but jolly old Mr Farmer has probably got rid of the 'pest' since then leaving a bigger one (in my opinion).
Called up for an afternoon walk in the sun, was almost melting by the end of it.
A sizable Woodpigeon flock of 117 had 2 Stock dove hidden amongst that I could see. 30 Swift over the quarry 18 Swallow 5 Lesser Black Backed 5 Linnet 4 Meadow Pipit 4 Lapwing 3 Skylark 3 Reed Bunting 1 Curlew 1 Lesser Whitethroat 1 Common Whitethroat 1 Garden Warbler 1 Buzzard
Nothing exceptional. Usual numbers of Lapwings, Skylarks, Meadow Pipits, Curlew, Reed Buntings etc. Low numbers of Willow Warblers and Chiffchaffs recorded (perhaps because they were silent).
Best record was a party of at least 12 Tree Sparrows, including some juveniles, around Smithy Farm.
Called in this morning to have a quick look for the Sedge Warbler, found not only the Warbler but also Mr Rayner and Mr Bissitt.
In addition to the Sedge we also had 87 (I think) Golden Plover. There were a number of Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler singing locally as well. Other than that not much else.
In addition I tried up Ernocroft Lane but only found 4 Linnets and a Stock Dove
Cheers John
I did hear the garden warbler on the walk back when I had passed the bungalow opposite Clough End (not really where we were looking, but it's obviously mobile).
Called in this morning to have a quick look for the Sedge Warbler, found not only the Warbler but also Mr Rayner and Mr Bissitt.
In addition to the Sedge we also had 87 (I think) Golden Plover. There were a number of Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler singing locally as well. Other than that not much else.
In addition I tried up Ernocroft Lane but only found 4 Linnets and a Stock Dove
Called in this morning to have a quick look for the Sedge Warbler, found not only the Warbler but also Mr Rayner and Mr Bissitt.
In addition to the Sedge we also had 87 (I think) Golden Plover. There were a number of Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler singing locally as well. Other than that not much else.
Next highlight was a Snipe drumming overhead. A lovely sound I've not heard up here for a few years. Golden Plover 41 Wheatear 4 Skylark 8 singing males Raven 2 Lapwing 22 Reed Bunting 4 Curlew 1 Buzzard 2 Linnet 2 pairs Carrion Crow flock of 43
Not really a bird hunt (but the kite would have been nice). Highlights were 1 common whitethroat, 3 tree sparrows, raven, at least 4 prs of swallow, 3 linnet at least, 1 reed bunting and sundry other usuals.
Second early morning visit this week, the first on Monday had nothing new from previous visits, today had a few fresh migrants in. Joined part way by John Rayner;
Most notable was a reeling Grasshopper Warbler which was then located by myself and Mr Rayner, (there seem to be few in today looking at other threads). While watching the Grasshopper we then had our first Whitethroat of the spring in pretty much the next bush/tree. A good number of Wheatear were also present.
Was hoping for Ring Ouzel but no luck there, I was rewarded though with 1 Wheatear and 2 Oystercatchers as well as several Chiffchaff's singing. No Willow Warblers as yet.
Called up midday and stayed through the afternoon as the weather had improved somewhat. Covered a fairly large area of Ludworth including the SBI area south east of the quarry, joined partway by Mr Rayner.
Highlight was 3 male Wheatear, all very smart individuals.
36 Lapwing with a number displaying over towards Charlesworth as well. 18 Meadow Pipit 12 Greenfinch (all at Larkhill/Brownlow) 10 Skylark 8 Pied Wagtail (No white and sadly no Yellow for me) 6 Snipe 5 Chaffinch 4 Curlew 4 Mistle Thrush 4 Jay 4 Buzzard 3 Chiffchaff 3 Goldfinch 2 Fieldfare 2 Oystercatcher 2 Swallow Singles of Kestrel, Tree Sparrow, Linnet
Cheers
Mark
Also 2 Reed Bunting
-- Edited by Mark Walsh on Saturday 7th of April 2018 05:36:21 PM
Finally felt a bit like Spring today with the sunshine and general mildness.
One flock of about 63 Starling 18 Lapwing, with a few individuals displaying 16 Meadow Pipit with a few 'parachuting' 6 Skylark most in song (a conservative count, there were probably more) 4 Pied Wagtail 3 Reed Bunting (m) 2 Chiffchaff 2 Oystercatcher 2 Buzzard 2 Grey Heron 1 Kestrel
Saw most of what Mark saw only lesser numbers (apart from 2 buzzards). Additionals were c35 fieldfare, 4 redwings, 2 stock doves, 2 kestrels, 2 rooks, 1 raven.
A short midmorning walk from Hillside, Picking Rods, Quarry and back to the car.
A steady increase of Lapwing with at least 60 A couple of large Starling flocks with around 300 birds in total 33 Golden Plover 9 Meadow Pipit 6 Goldfinch 4 Chaffinch 2 Pied Wagtail 1 Buzzard
A circular walk from Gird Lane - Quarry - Far Bradshaw - Smithy Lane
1st Curlews of the year in field near Moorfield Arms development 4 Reed Buntings (2 pair) under Larkhill feeders but only 1 Tree Sparrow (I hope the majority of these have decamped to Brownlow feeders) 1 Redwing 5 Fieldfare 5-6 Buzzards 2-3 Kestrels 1 Tawny Owl 5 Lapwings 2 Snipe 1 Meadow Pipit
Cheers, John
P.S. There are still numerous deep snowdrifts to negotiate on the lower parts of Smithy Lane down to Chatterton Road
I was on the path behind Clough End farm when I saw you on Sandhill Ln.
Didn't see all that you did, but can add 1 further buzzard (landed in Brown Low, one was also out on the moor), a few more meadow pipits (15+ in all), 4 rooks, and a snipe which I flushed from the brook that runs into the farm garden. Should also add that if you didn't go that far there was an 8-foot snowdrift blocking the quarry path. Amazing.
-- Edited by Andy Bissitt on Sunday 4th of March 2018 09:37:39 PM
Called up for a brief walk this afternoon, still lots of snow from Hillside and beyond but it's clear up to Cloughend.
40+ Starling in small groups around Larkhill and Brownlow 11 Redwing 10 Golden Plover flying near Brownlow 7 Meadow Pipit 7 Goldfinch 6 Chaffinch 4 Greenfinch 1 Buzzard 1 Kestrel 1 Bullfinch
And 1 Goosander flying East
Cheers
Mark
Noticed Andy's car but our paths didn't cross.
-- Edited by Mark Walsh on Sunday 4th of March 2018 06:01:39 PM
A brief walk this afternoon from Larkhill to the PR path and back via the quarry.
Not much to report.
c80 Golden Plover 20 Meadow Pipits 12 Goldfinch 3 Green Finch 2 Raven Single's of Kestrel , Sparrowhawk and Buzzard.
It was a bitterly cold wind though.
Bumped into Andy Bisset while up there as well.
Cheers
Mark
As well as those mentioned by Mark, also 12 rooks, 3 snipe and a mixed flock of starlings and fieldfare of about 71 birds split 50/50 inc. one redwing making the odd bird! Viewing was difficult what with the wind, and friendly sheep scaring off the snipe!
Just so the place doesn't disappear from view! A visit this p.m. was largely lacking in drama, but did have (amongst others) 2 ravens, buzzard, 2 kestrels, sparrowhawk, 3 bullfinches, 5 rooks, 10 fieldfare, 1/2 redwings, 2 mistle thrushes. The feeders at Larkhill were deserted and it looked as if some tree work had been taking place. I saw no tree sparrows, which I pray is temporary.
Rather depressingly there was a trail bike event underway in the quarry, organised by 'Manchester 17 Motorcycle Club'. Over 100 people, 48 vehicles including a catering van and 50+ competitors. Nor surprisingly there were few birds around. This list a listed Grade A Site of Biological Importance but in reality that counts for nothing.
3 Greenfinch and 4 Tree Sparrows at Larkhill Kestrel hunting c80 Common Gulls
Cheers John
-- Edited by John Rayner on Tuesday 26th of December 2017 02:14:41 PM
A late post for yesterday afternoon, started off at Larkhill and made my way to the Picking Rods and back down via the quarry;
153 Starling in several groups C100 Lapwing (probably Andy's group but I only saw them briefly so no proper count) 35 Goldfinch all in one flock 26 Fieldfare 18 Snipe 8 Tree Sparrow 5 Chaffinch 5 Greenfinch 4 Bullfinch Singles of Kestrel, Goldcrest and Treecreeper
c125 lapwings was decent for up here. Also 50+ starlings , 2 ravens, reed bunting, small numbers of fieldfare (10) and redwing (less) in field at Smithy Lane, but I spotted a larger number of thrushes using the wood at Brown Low when I got back to the parking area. There was a constant passage of gulls in small groups (mostly common/herring) all but a few going south-east.