A quick stop off at Walkerwood Dam, mainly to fill the feeders. The snow cover meant there was a queue forming as I refilled.
A lot of birds straight onto them, including up to ten Long-tailed Tits, a species that doesn't often use the feeders. Also plenty of Bullfinch, and the single Willow Tit.
From Walkerwood Dam, up on to Wild Bank Hill, past the trig point, to Hollingworthall Moor. A fine, icy morning, but the bitter easterly wind, once out the shelter of Wild Bank, made it almost impossible to stand still. Consequently, nothing at all seen or heard past the 1,000ft contour.
Wild Bank Hill.
Pair of Little Owl at a regular site 2 Red Grouse 1 Dunnock singing at Shaw Farm 6 Starlings 4 Wren 1 Kestrel struggling in the wind over Hollingworthall Moor Other than a handful of Woodpigeon and Magpies, that really was it for Wild Bank.
Lower down.
3 Great Spotted Woodpeckers in the country park. One male was drumming, with a female close by, then another male flew in and noisily mobbed the first. All three could be seen (and heard!) flying around the area over the following fifteen minutes, as I was making my way up towards the rifle ranges. 1 female Grey Wagtail in Walkerwood overflow The usual suspects around the feeders, including the Willow Tit Yesterday, a drake Mandarin was on Walkerwood Reservoir
The length of Brushes Valley, with an hour spent on the moor around Turf Pits.
Top of the valley.
4 Skylark calling from the moor around Turf Pits, my first of the year locally 1 Kestrel 24 Red Grouse - but it is a grouse moor. 11 Reed Bunting around the scout hut
Around Walkerwood, with a feel of springtime in the air.
15+ Chaffinch, mainly males, with a lot of posturing going on. Many in sub-song, including five perched in a hawthorn within feet of each other. 6 Raven over south, in three pairs. 1 Willow Tit 3 Coal Tits 1 Jay on the feeder Nuthatch calling 1 Treecreeper in the Country Park
1 Woodcock back into the woods at 6.54am, much lower down the valley from those of yesterday, in the area of Brushes SBI (alongside Brushes Reservoir). 12 Canada Geese on Walkerwood Reservoir.
Brushes Valley, as far as Lower Swineshaw scout hut.
2 Woodcock, one flushed from the moor before first light, below Lower Swineshaw. The second was flying back into the woods at 7.00am. 3 Tawny Owls calling, from the scout hut, and the woods on both sides of Brushes Reservoir. Last night, a pair were calling from the woods between Brushes and Lower Swineshaw Reservoir, at 8.00pm.
Friday 9th February 2018, the length of Brushes Reservoir.
At least one Woodcock flew over Brushes Reservoir, then circled above the woods several times, before plummeting down into the trees on the Harridge side, at 7.05am.
Tawny Owls calling further down the valley, around Walkerwood, but none any higher up this morning.
I usually count the valley and the country park in sections, and there is also at least one pair in the woods at Grove Road. You can do the light duties around Roe Cross, Roger. All we need now is someone to do Cowbury Dale - doesn't Steve Suttill like wandering around up there after dark?
I can see it now. "Owls of Stalybridge". Do you think anyone would want to read it?
Nothing I like better, David but, as you know, my hearing isn't half as good as yours!
I well remember covering quite a few local sites for a BTO Tawny Owl survey a few years ago. Didn't hear a single hoot whilst in the right place at the specified times, but then I'd drive home, get out of the car, and they'd be calling everywhere
I would buy the book though. I'd even print it for you!
I had 3 male Tawny Owls calling within hearing distance, all at the same time, late on Sunday night David.
Good to hear them as I didn't have a single hoot during October or November when I expected to hear them calling and answering from Cheethams Park and Bower Fold.
Roger.
It was unusually quiet last Autumn in the valley, but they have made up for it in the past month. I quite regularly see them flying around before dawn.
I usually count the valley and the country park in sections, and there is also at least one pair in the woods at Grove Road. You can do the light duties around Roe Cross, Roger. All we need now is someone to do Cowbury Dale - doesn't Steve Suttill like wandering around up there after dark?
I can see it now. "Owls of Stalybridge". Do you think anyone would want to read it?
I had 3 male Tawny Owls calling within hearing distance, all at the same time, late on Sunday night David.
Good to hear them as I didn't have a single hoot during October or November when I expected to hear them calling and answering from Cheethams Park and Bower Fold.
Roger.
__________________
Blessed is the man who expecteth little reward ..... for he shall seldom be disappointed.
At least 4, probably 5 Tawny Owls around Walkerwood this morning.
Two males hooting at either end of the reservoir, on the Wild Bank side, plus a female calling. Also very good views of a bird flying around the trees on the Harridge side, which then started a very squeaky hoot. Another bird was seen higher up, towards the gamekeeper's cottage, which started a more confident, mature sounding hoot. Didn't sound like the same bird to me.
These males seem very close together, possibly youngsters involved in trying to lay down territories. I have it in my head that Tawny Owls can have territories as small as 12 hectares, which, using a piece of rudimentary arithmetic, gives a circle of radius approximately 200 metres.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Tuesday 6th of February 2018 01:40:52 PM
Brushes Valley, from Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, in moderately heavy snow around the Swineshaws.
Walkerwood area.
3 Goosander (2 males), on the reservoir 1 Grey Wagtail around the dam 1 Willow Tit 3 Bullfinch Chaffinch in sub-song Song and Mistle Thrush singing this week at dawn
The only signs of life further up were five Reed Bunting, calling from the vegetation, including one in the valley below Lower Swineshaw, and a handful of Red Grouse.
Another quiet morning, with a strong, cold wind from Lower Swineshaw up. I've lost track of the last time I was up here and the weather wasn't either snowing, foggy, or blowing a gale.
A pair of Stonechat feeding at Lees Hill 3 Ravens at Higher Swineshaw 1 Buzzard over Swineshaw Moor Male Kestrel struggling with the wind over Lees Hill
To be honest, I didn't really expect to see Woodcock at that time of day, or Stonechat given the foggy conditions. If I'd remembered to bring some seed, I might have attracted the Willow Tit. The latter must be getting on a bit - BTO Birdfacts gives 3 years as typical lifespan.
As for texting you before 6am... Roger was right about dealing with madmen
Walkerwood Dam to Higher Swineshaw and back, mainly in thick fog (chance to test low-light capabilities of new binoculars )
No sign of any of Mr Walsh's Stonechats, Woodcock or Willow Tit!
Steve
The image burned indelibly in your memory is partly my fault; I forgot to forewarn you of that suit on the evening in question.
With regards the three species you didn't see yesterday:
Willow Tit - hardy ever seen away from the feeders. Either text me before 6.00am next time you're visiting, and I will make sure the feeders are filled, or bring a handful of black sunflower seeds with you.
Stonechat - hit and miss. They feed over a wide area at this time of year, on both sides of the valley, and can lie low for long periods.
Woodcock - winter sightings are very fleeting, and crepuscular. Dawn is still breaking a little late for my routine, but I have had several excellent views of Tawny Owls flying around the trees at 7.00am recently, to compensate. Alternatively, you could engage the services of my Springer Spaniel - she may improve your chances of seeing a Woodcock later in the day.
This morning's visit started inauspiciously, at 10.00am, when I realised I had forgotten my binoculars, so had to use my emergency pair from the car boot, with only one functioning lens. So all sightings are courtesy of my left eye only.
Most of the action at this time of year is around the woods, particularly at Brushes Cottages.
8 Coal Tits, very vocal, and a little singing going on. 2 Lesser Redpoll over. The usuals around the feeder, including the Willow Tit
Almost four years after the first sighting, the Willow Tit has only ever been seen singly. There is a prize on offer for anyone recording two birds, in the shape of a bespoke anti mosquito suit (slightly worn).
Roger Baker 3 wrote: I thought that you would have realised that you were dealing with madmen when we had you up there at midnight ... although it was noted how quickly you produced a sick-note when you received your next invite.
Roger.
The memory of your good self emerging from the heather, clad from head to foot in your anti-mosquito suit will live with me forever - worthy of any Hammer horror film
No sign of any of Mr Walsh's Stonechats, Woodcock or Willow Tit! .................................................................................................................
Be careful what you wish for Steve otherwise you may find yourself being dragged round the circuit at 05.00 hrs. I thought that you would have realised that you were dealing with madmen when we had you up there at midnight ... although it was noted how quickly you produced a sick-note when you received your next invite.
Roger.
__________________
Blessed is the man who expecteth little reward ..... for he shall seldom be disappointed.
1 Cormorant fishing on the reservoir A female Peregrine drifted over Harridge, from the north, and had a couple of half-hearted attempts at Woodpigeons around the gamekeeper's cottage. Its left wing was very ragged, missing several flight feathers. 1 Kestrel, having a go at the Peregrine. 1 Buzzard calling from Wild Bank Hill.
A lot of life around Brushes Cottages.
At least 4 Treecreepers 2 Nuthatch Several Goldcrest
The usuals around the feeder, including the Willow Tit
A slow amble around the Rifle Ranges, accompanied by my 83 year old father, eldest son, and daughter, in intermittent snow showers. Unsurprisingly, not much seen.
A Woodcock was flushed from the birch growth low down on Wild Bank, and flew further up the hill. One Meadow Pipit flew up, calling above the frozen moor. 6 Blackbirds feeding together in the fields One Pied Wagtail around Flaxfield Farm
Saturday 16th December 2017, 8.00 - 11.00am, clear, with intermittent snow showers.
From Walkerwood Dam, up onto Wild Bank Hill, including a wander around the trig point. Wild Bank still blanketed beneath several inches of snow.
Wild Bank Hill
2 Little Owls 3 Reed Bunting around the trig point 10+ Red Grouse 5 Meadow Pipits 10 Long-tailed Tits feeding in the birch trees above Cock Wood 3 Bullfinch
2 Rooks feeding in the fields around Flaxfield Farm, with several Carrion Crows and Jackdaw Plenty of Bullfinch around Brushes Road and Walkerwood 2 Jays The usuals around the feeders, including the Willow Tit
Two Tawny Owls seen this morning, at 6.50am, both on Brushes Road, between the end of the housing and Walkerwood dam. The first was on a telegraph pole half way along the lane, and the second flew over from the Wild Bank side, into the country park, almost at the bend onto the dam.
Quite a number of Redwing over, down the valley, in the dark.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Friday 1st of December 2017 08:17:53 PM
From Walkerwood dam, up onto Wild Bank Hill, and around the trig point.
Wild Bank Hill
1 pair of Stonechat feeding in the fields around Shaw Farm 1 Raven over east was the only sign of life at the trig point, with an icy wind howling through. 10 Redwing, 6 over and 4 feeding around Shaw Farm 1 Mistle Thrush 1 Kestrel on a fence post over towards Moorside Farm
6 Redwing around Flaxfield Usual around the Walkerwood feeder, including the Willow Tit
Brushes Valley, from Walkerwood to Higher Swineshaw, and Irontongue Hill.
A refreshing morning wandering around the "warmer climes", as described by Steve Suttill. A liberal covering of snow greeted us at Walkerwood, and conditions gradually worsened on the climb up the valley, with deep snow, fog and blizzard conditions from Lower Swineshaw to Irontongue Hill. Surprisingly, though, not a complete wash out.
I have reached the stage of Autumn where dawn comes too late, and dusk too soon for my daily routine. I had therefore given up on seeing many crepuscular Woodcock until the new year, so I was pleased that two were flushed this morning, both unusually high up the valley, in the area of Lower Swineshaw.
Other sightings from the top end of the valley:
1 pair of Stonechat (sorry Steve) were flitting around the moor above Lower Swineshaw Reservoir in a blizzard, seemingly oblivious to the conditions. That makes 12 separate individuals recorded in Stalybridge this month, a November record for me personally. I don't know whether the GMBRG database may have more? 5 Reed Bunting, including three males in almost full breeding plumage, in Higher Swineshaw overflow
The other notable species was Long-tailed Tit, with a flock of 19 at Walkerwood, and 12 in Brushes Valley 1 Nuthatch calling from Brushes Cottages All the usuals around the feeders, including the Willow Tit
From Walkerwood Dam, up onto Wild Bank Hill, and an hour watching the area around the trig point, as far as Hollingworthall Moor.
The most remarkable thing about this morning was the number of Stonechat seen. Not so much the total of six individuals, but the number of different locations around the site, as follows:
1 pair at Brushes Rifle Ranges 1 pair on Wild Bank Moor 1 in the fields below Shaw Farm 1 on the Hollingworthall Moor side of the trig point.
In addition to this, there is currently a pair around Paddock Farm, Harrop Edge, and yesterday I watched a pair at Lees Hill, Higher Swineshaw. In recent years, there have been only two overwintering pairs, one at Wild Bank, and one around Higher Swineshaw. The recent run of mild winters have had a beneficial effect for this species nationally, and there seems to have been an increase in breeding range within Greater Manchester. This year I had thirteen confirmed broods from seven sites in Stalybridge alone (almost certainly an under count, due to a combination of convalescence and laziness on my part). Normally, by this time of year, most of the breeding stock have moved on, leaving just the odd pair, as outlined above.
Other sightings.
6 Reed Bunting 3 Meadow Pipits 4 Mistle Thrush 6 Bullfinch The bizarre sight of four Pheasant, including a handsome male, perched high up a holly tree, feeding on berries. The usuals around the Walkerwood feeder, including the Willow Tit.
Saturday morning, Brushes Valley, as far as Lees Hill.
One Woodcock flew down from the direction of the rifle ranges, into the country park, just 150 yards further along the lane than the last of the houses, at 6.51am.
3 Woodcock flew into the woods on Harridge, in better light than yesterday (i.e. no mist and drizzle). Two, at 6.59am, down the valley from the direction of Lower Swineshaw, with a third, at 7.01, over from the direction of Walkerwood
A Mistle Thrush attempted a very brief song, as dawn was breaking.
-- Edited by David Walsh on Wednesday 15th of November 2017 07:59:40 AM
1 Woodcock over Lower Swineshaw quarry at 4.58pm (precisely) 1 Tawny Owl calling from Cock Wood on the way back down
This morning, from Walkerwood, to Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill, 8.00 - 11.00am.
1 Grey Wagtail in Walkerwood overflow Usuals around the feeder, including the Willow Tit Several groups of Long-tailed Tits along the valley
Around the Swineshaws
7 Fieldfare dropped into the trees at the scout hut, staying for around ten minutes 2 Siskin 4 Chaffinch 5 Reed Bunting A Peregrine did a couple of circuits of Higher Swineshaw and Lees Hill, giving a Magpie an almighty fright
1 Woodcock out of the woods, over Lower Swineshaw, at 5.05pm. My first sighting since July (and I have been looking, at dawn and dusk, over the past month), presumably evidence of newly arrived migrants, half expected following this week's full moon. Male and female Tawny Owl calling from the valley bottom.
This morning, around Walkerwood and the area of the gamekeeper's cottage, 8.00 - 10.15am
10 Redwing feeding in the fields 2 Mistle Thrush 1 Song Thrush 6 Long-tailed Tits Usuals around the feeders, including the Willow Tit 15 Pheasants 1 Red-legged Partridge 1 Grey Wagtail
-- Edited by David Walsh on Sunday 5th of November 2017 12:03:01 AM
2 Tawny Owls at the Harridge side of Walkerwood. Good views of one, at 6.10am, gliding down over the fields from the gamekeeper's cottage, towards the country park, and another calling from the trees lining the reservoir, ten minutes later.
1 pair of Stonechat 8 Reed Bunting, a couple of males still in almost full breeding plumage 4 Meadow Pipits 1 Kestrel 2 Goldfinch at Higher Swineshaw dam 15 Fieldfare flying northwest over the moor
Brushes Valley, which was shrouded in drizzly low cloud from Brushes Reservoir up.
The only thing visible further up was 4 Goldcrest at Lower Swineshaw scout hut
Fortunately, Walkerwood was particularly lively:
3 Goldcrest Siskin flew over in dribs and drabs, then a flock of around 40 flew noisily back, from the country park, towards Cock Wood. 1 Lesser Redpoll over 1 Goldfinch 2 Bullfinch 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker 1 Willow Tit 4 Long-tailed Tits Coal, Blue, and Great Tits 3 Lesser Black-backed Gulls over the reservoir
Flaxfield
Initially, 20 Fieldfare flew from Wild Bank, west over Stalybridge, then a further 60 landed in the fields and bushes around Flaxfield Farm 1 Mistle Thrush 1 Greenfinch over 1 Goosander flying west, down the Tame Valley
Brushes Valley, to the top of the moor at Turf Pits, in very blustery conditions.
15 Redwing south over Pack Saddle at 9.30 Just the odd Meadow Pipit and Reed Bunting up from the moor Plenty of Red Grouse seem to have survived this week's shoot
Willow Tit on the Walkerwood feeder, along with the usuals.
Around the Swineshaws. Quiet, except for species that, for the next six months, will be known as "the usuals". I would expect to see them most times I'm up here in winter.
1 male Stonechat, flycatching so high up that it resembled a display flight. 1 Buzzard 1 Kestrel Several each, around the moor, of: Meadow Pipits Reed Bunting Robin Wren Dunnock Blackbirds
The drake Mandarin was back on Walkerwood, swimming with two Mallard. These were the only birds on all four reservoirs.
4 Buzzards, 3 interacting, the fourth higher up on its own. 2 Kestrels, having a dig at the Buzzards 1 Raven
20 Meadow Pipits quickly through, over the moor above Lower Swineshaw, with a few others calling from the ground 2 Lesser Redpoll over the scout hut 1 Grey Wagtail at Walkerwood
3 Stonechat, 2 males and a female, moving around the fences and bracken between Lees Hill and Boar Flat. 1 Raven over from Ogden Clough to Harridge 1 Buzzard 1 Kestrel A couple of Lesser Redpoll over 15+ Meadow Pipits Several Red Grouse Several Reed Bunting calling
Around Higher Swineshaw, and the moor at Turf Pits.
2 Raven 3 Buzzard, one over Harridge, and two high up to the east, towards Chew Reservoir 1 Kestrel 1 male Stonechat 3 Reed Bunting 2 Linnet over south 3 Red Grouse 10 Meadow Pipit
-- Edited by David Walsh on Thursday 5th of October 2017 12:54:21 PM
6 Stonechat, in three different areas 1 Dipper, flying across Higher Swineshaw Reservoir 3 Pied Wagtails 20+ Meadow Pipits 1 Lesser Redpoll over Several Reed Bunting Bullfinch in the trees at the scout hut
Walkerwood Dam, more lively than in a long time, particularly around the feeder.
1 Nuthatch was a very unusual sight on the feeder. They are common in the trees around Brushes Cottages, but not Walkerwood Dam. 1 Willow Tit 6 Lesser Redpoll 6 Jays, carrying acorns across the reservoir, towards Wild Bank. 4 Chiffchaff 2 Grey Wagtails 1 Grey Heron 1 Sparrowhawk 1 Kestrel over Harridge
Several each of: Great Tit Blue Tit Coal Tit Bullfinch Chaffinch Goldfinch
1 juvenile Whinchat at Lees Hill 9 Stonechat, 2 males around Higher Swineshaw dam, and a family group of seven Meadow Pipit numbers on the increase - around 25 feeding on Higher Swineshaw dam, and a similar number around Lees Hill 3 Reed Bunting A flock of approximately 50 House Martins and 30 Swallows over southwest. Last night at dusk, around 100 Swallows were feeding over Lower Swineshaw Reservoir 1 Grey Wagtail in Higher Swineshaw overflow 20 Starlings around the fences at Lees Hill
Walkerwood
Greenfinch Bullfinch Chaffinch Lesser Redpoll over Kestrel over Harridge Buzzard over Wild Bank
-- Edited by David Walsh on Saturday 16th of September 2017 03:11:17 PM