LUDWORTH MOOR

John Rayner · Status: Offline

RE: LUDWORTH MOOR

Mark Walsh · Status: Offline

One flock of about 40 Fieldfare over the quarry early afternoon, not much else until I got to the car at Hillside and had a Sparrowhawk in the fields opposite.

cheers

Mark

Andy Bissitt · Status: Offline

2.00 - 4.40 p.m.

A male merlin gave me a thrilling display of its hunting technique just a few meters away. It flew off with the presumed meadow pipit and was probably the bird seen (at distance) being mobbed by two crows over the quarry area 50 minutes later.

Other things of note included 4 golden plover, 4+ snipe and a chiffchaff. Other than that the usuals like buzzards, kestrels, sparrowhawk, stock doves, common gulls, rook et al...

First post here for over a month during prime migration time. Kind of says it all really.

Andy Bissitt · Status: Offline

Only things which caught my eye on an afternoon of insect hunting were 5 ravens in loose association which went NW, and a juvenile/1st winter great black-backed gull. Otherwise it was a good job the sun provided me with some interest.

John Rayner · Status: Offline

28th and today's combined sightings (today with Paul Greenall)

156 Starlings (nicely perched up on wires for easy counting on 28th)
Lapwings - a large flock of probably around 200 mixed in with over 80 Starlings (today)
2 Ravens mobbing 2 Buzzards
Kestrel 2
Buzzard 3
Linnet 3
Swallow flocks of c50 and 15 plus 2s and 3s
House Martins 4
Sparrowhawk buzzing the Swallows
Bullfinch 3
Canada Goose 37
Rook 12
Chiffchaff 6

Cheers John

Mark Walsh · Status: Offline

Not much this afternoon;

50 Swallow over the fields near Larkhill, a further 20 or so through in small groups of 6 or less.
22 Meadow pipit
17 Mistle Thrush
11 Goldfinch
3 Jay
2 Kestrel
2 Chiffchaff
1 Buzzard

A visit this past Saturday produced 2 Spotted Flycatchers......alas in Derbyshire.

Cheers

Mark

John Rayner · Status: Offline

At last - some Autumn passage.

1 Spotted Flycatcher and 2 Redstarts (m&f) in same small hawthorn near Cloughend.
Another fem/imm Redstart below quarry.
A total of 12 Chiffchaffs including 6 together below quarry
2 Blackcaps
1 Whitethroat
5 Swallows south
7 Rooks
3 Buzzards (1 ad hunting, 1 juv begging, 1 distantly soaring)
15 Meadow Pipits
5 Reed Buntings
22 Goldfinches
1 Pheasant (no big releases this year as yet)

Cheers John

Andy Bissitt · Status: Offline

This afternoon, more for the fresh air than anything. Not massively exciting but at least some birds to see, viz:

At least 10, and possibly as many as 15 tree sparrows at Lark Hill. Also at least one tree sparrow was with a flock of its house cousins back west along Sandhill Lane (I walked up from the Glossop Rd).

30+ linnets near Ernocroft Farm, where also 12 swallows.

1 raven down on Ernocroft Ln.

8 stock doves (flock of 7 + 1 loner),

c150 starlings with at least 12 mistle thrushes feeding on the rowans on the track to Greenfield Farm.

also, sparrowhawk, kestrel, 2 rooks, 20+ more swallows. Just any sign of migration missing really!!

Andy Bissitt · Status: Offline

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.

John Rayner · Status: Offline

Short walk from Hillside Farm-April Cottage-Quarry-Gun Road. Plenty of juveniles about:

Wheatear 1
Adult Goldcrest feeding 2 juveniles
Mostly juvenile Goldfinch flock of c50
Juvenile Skylark
Raven 2 in the distance
Linnet 4
Juvenile Blackcap

Cheers John

Andy Bissitt · Status: Offline

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+.

John Rayner · Status: Offline

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.

Cheers, John

John Rayner · Status: Offline

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

Cheers John

John Rayner · Status: Offline

Late morning:

Lapwing flock 57
Starling flock c110
Meadow Pipit 22
Swift 8 south
Swallow 7
Redpoll 2
Goldfinch 14
Chiffchaff 2
Wilow Warbler 1
Buzzard 1

Cheers John

Mark Walsh · Status: Offline

A morning wander 7-9;

Highlights included a large (for Ludworth) Goldfinch flock of 100+ birds with a few Linnet mixed in. 2 Whitethroat and 2 Raven also seen.

Derbyshire held a flock of about 250 Starlings.

Cheers

Mark

Mark Walsh · Status: Offline

A couple of hours this afternoon focussing mainly around the quarry and Cloughend.

16 Lapwing
13 Swallow
9 Goldfinch
7 Swift
3 Willow Warbler
3 Redpoll
2 Chiffchaff
2 Buzzard
2 Kestrel
2 Whitethroat

Cheers

Mark

Robert Adderley · Status: Offline

Late afternoon visit

Buzzard 4
Kestrel 2
Lapwing 133
Raven 2
Redpoll 2
Bullfinch 1

Mark Walsh · Status: Offline

A brief call up this afternoon;

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)

Butterflies and single Moth in other wildlife.

Cheers

Mark

Andy Bissitt · Status: Offline

Forgot to mention yesterday that a single redpoll was twice over the road near Clough End Farm. I know they have been missing recently.

John Rayner · Status: Offline

A few birds seen but mainly after insects today. Also a new trail bike circuit cut through the SBI and skirting Gun Road:

Golden Plover 19
Skylark 9
Snipe 2
Swift 14
Lapwing 9
Buzzard 1

Odonata and Lepidoptera on Other Wildlife forum.

Cheers, John

Andy Bissitt · Status: Offline

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).

Andy

John Rayner · Status: Offline

A late afternoon visit with some decent flocks present:

Curlew 12 - including a feeding flock of 9
Golden Plover 19
Lapwing 52
Oystercatcher 1
Swift c30 - feeding overhead
Reed Bunting 3 - singing
Skylark 4 - singing
Meadow Pipit 5
Snipe 1
Linnet 1
Carrion Crow sat on nest

Cheers John

Mark Walsh · Status: Offline

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

Other wildlife in relevant thread.

Cheers

Mark

John Rayner · Status: Offline

BBS late visit:

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.

Cheers, John

Andy Bissitt · Status: Offline

John Rayner wrote:
Mark Walsh wrote:

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).

Andy

John Rayner · Status: Offline

Mark Walsh wrote:

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

Mark Walsh · Status: Offline

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.

John Rayner · Status: Offline

Highlights:

Sedge Warbler (2nd local bird this year and my first at Ludworth since 2009)
Raven 3
Golden Plover 31
Garden Warbler 1

Cheers John

John Rayner · Status: Offline

09.00-11.30.

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

Cheers John.

Andy Bissitt · Status: Offline

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.

paul shaw · Status: Offline

1 Red Kite had just drifted over Ludworth moor heading towards Rowath

John Rayner · Status: Offline

Best bits from this morning:

Wheatear 19 (9 Picking Rods path, 3 above quarry, 4 below SBI area, 3 above Green Gates Fm)
Curlew 3
Oystercatcher 1
Golden Plover 1
Tree Sparrow 3 (Larkhill)

Cheers John.

-- Edited by John Rayner on Sunday 29th of April 2018 12:07:42 AM

John Rayner · Status: Offline

BBS Survey around the greater area. Some of the highlights included:

Grasshopper Warbler 2 (both reeling)
Raven 8 (including 2 in a half hearted attempt at the beginnings of a nest on pylon)
Skylark 12
Lesser Whitethroat 2 (pair nest building)
Whitethroat 1
Tree Sparrow 3 (Smithy Farm)
Stock Doves 2
Wheatear 9

Cheers, John

Robert Adderley · Status: Offline

Lesser Whitethroat singing and showing on the Far Bradshaw side this afternoon.

Mark Walsh · Status: Offline

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.

Also seen;

22 Lapwing
19 Meadow Pipits
12 Skylark
11 Wheatear
9 Swallow
8 Chaffinch
7 Willow Warbler
7 Pied Wagtail
6 Goldfinch
5 Chiffchaff
5 Reed Bunting
5 Golden Plover
4 Linnet
4 Curlew
2 Tree Sparrow
2 Oystercatcher

Cheers

Mark

-- Edited by Ian McKerchar on Thursday 19th of April 2018 10:49:52 PM

Mark Walsh · Status: Offline

A brief visit this evening proved to be fruitful with a male Yellow Wagtail in much the same area John had one last week.

Other than that;

39 Lapwing
12 Meadow Pipit (with a flock of 30+ in Derbyshire)
8 Pied Wagtail
4 Skylark
3 Reed Bunting
3 Bullfinch
2 Curlew
2 Golden Plover
2 Chiffchaff
and singles of, White Wagtail, Linnet, Wheatear, Willow Warbler, Swallow.

Cheers

Mark

Mark Walsh · Status: Offline

Called up again this morning 7:30 - 10:15

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.

Mark Walsh · Status: Offline

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

John Rayner · Status: Offline

Couldn't find any of yesterday's Wheatears but a bonus male Yellow Wagtail
Golden Plovers 5
Raven 1
Curlew 1

Cheers John

John Rayner · Status: Offline

09.30-12.45. Full circuit with Paul Greenall: Gird Lane - Larkhill - Cloughend - Quarry - Picking Rods - Gun Lane - Kennels - Hillside Farm - Cloughend - Smithy Farm - Gird Lane.

Brambling 2 (Larkhill feeders)
Greenfinch 11
Tree Sparrow 9 (7 Larkhill, 2 Smithy Farm)
Chiffchaff 4
Tawny Owl 2 heard
Bullfinch 4
Jay 2
Buzzard 2
Kestrel 1
Oystercatcher 2
Curlew 1
Fieldfare c40
Skylark 4
Lapwing 18
Sparrowhawk 2
Meadow Pipits c45

Cheers John

Mark Walsh · Status: Offline

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

Cheers

Mark

Andy Bissitt · Status: Offline

p.m.

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.

Mark Walsh · Status: Offline

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

Cheers

Mark

John Rayner · Status: Offline

Late afternoon:

Curlew 13 (including a flock of 10)
Lapwing 24
Golden Plover 1
Starling 290
Fieldfare 12
Raven 4
Buzzard 3
Stock Dove 2

Cheers John

John Rayner · Status: Offline

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

Andy Bissitt · Status: Offline

Mark,

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

Mark Walsh · Status: Offline

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

John Rayner · Status: Offline

8 Tree Sparrows (5 Larkhill, 3 April Cottage)
2 Ravens
4 Buzzards (looked like 2 pairs, 1 pair displaying)
2 Ravens
2 Tawny Owls
1 Kestrel
1 Snipe

Cheers John

Mark Walsh · Status: Offline

Late post for Saturday;

Highlight was a Stonechat in the field above the quarry, other than that;

31 Golden Plover
12 Starling
7 Meadow Pipit
Then a single Raven, Lapwing and Buzzard.

Called in again this afternoon to see if I could catch up with the Stonechat again but no luck on that front, otherwise;

63 Starling and 41 Fieldfare - in one large flock
17 Goldfinch
2 Mistle Thrush
2 Raven
and singles of Bullfinch, Greenfinch, Grey Wagtail and Kestrel.

Cheers

Mark

Andy Bissitt · Status: Offline

Mark Walsh wrote:
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!
Cheers,
Andy.