8 Tree Pipit, with three individuals flying over south at Higher Meadows and others down on the ground with at least two at Walker Fold, one on the path by Sugar Loaf Plantation and at least two at Holden's Farm.
Single Spotted Flycatcher at Walker Fold
5 Wheatear in one group along Matchmoor Lane
10 Kestrel hunting over Burnt Edge Moor
16 Willow Warbler at Walker Fold with 3 Chiffchaff and another 3 Willow Warbler at Holden's Farm
The Hobby was having a tussle with a Kestrel over plantation near the Lancs border, with the former appearing to be aggressor, although they appeared equally matched.
The Kestrel then carried on hunting over the sheep pasture, whilst the Hobby disappeared, but was seen shortly afterwards soaring high above the lane.
There was a cloud of Goldfinches moving through the thistles below the kennels, 200+ here, another smaller charm of around 60 was near the Lancs border, sheltering in the conifers
and bathing in the stream that crosses the lane. Even more were around Wilderswood.
Burnt Edge :
4 Stonechats (Family Group), 2 Goldcrests (Perched on bracken), 1 Kestrel, a charm of 30+ Goldfinches, a flock of 12 Meadow Pipits and 3 Reed Buntings.
Walker Fold :
6 Goldcrests and 2 Coal Tits were flitting around the lower branches of a conifer and 6 Willow Warblers were in a mixes tit flock.
A pair of Chaffinches were in the same small tree with the warblers, and the female finch in particular was very aggressive towards the little migrants, she gave them no peace.
Holdens Farm :
A manure pile by the path was attracting pipits, and they were drawn by the same stuff in the horse paddock below the farm.
A dozen Meadow Pipits were here, plus 6 Linnets and 5 Reed Buntings, although the Linnets appeared to be feeding on Sorrel seeds.
(Despite the strong SE wind and occasional shower numerous Swallows were flycatching, swooping low along and below Georges Lane, as well as around Holdens Farm, often flying almost close enough to touch.)
The Kestrels too put on a great show today, with the pair above Burnt Edge in display flight.
Late post for Saturday 3rd June 2017 12:00 - 16:00 hrs.
Burnt Edge - Holden Farm - Gilligant Farm - Winter Hill - Mast Road - via Holden Plantation and return
Linnet x 2 Stonechat x 2 Whitethroat x 1 Curlew x 1 Kestrel x 7 sightings Meadow Pipit x 20 Skylark x 5 Grey Heron x 1 Swallow x 15 Swift x 7 House Martin x 1 Carrion Crow x 8 Magpie x 3 Goldfinch x 5 Great Tit x 3 Chaffinch x 1 Pied Wagtail x 2 Pheasant x 1
A female Black redstart was perched on the sign by the pull in near the bend on Mast Road at 9am this morning. It seemed to be moving along wall which eventually runs to the bottom of the pony field.
Also around today were a Yellow Wagtail over north and the 6 Fieldfare were still at Higher Meadows along with a male and female Cuckoo and six Wheatear around the moors.
Summer plumage golden plover on the ground on top of winter hill , 2 wheatear , 1 swallow , 1 male reed bunting , several meadow pipits , 1 dislpaying curlew along georges lane great views of a male ring ouzel feeding near to the big hedge , 10+ willow warblers in song , great views of a cuckoo on the lancs side last seen flying towards the boundry with greater manchester , 4 stonechat , 2 whearear .
12 Wheatears across the moor, also 30 Redpoll, several Swallows and Sand Martin north. Unfortunately couldn't connect with Phil's Osprey despite it heading for Winter Hill.
This morning from Scout Road with Andy Makin and Simon Johnson;
1 female Ring Ouzel flew north east over Smithill's Moor 1 Brambling over south 1 female Wheatear 2 Mediterranean Gulls over 173 Meadow Pipits north 11 Redpoll south 2 Sand Martin north 5 singing Willow Warblers.
Adult Mediterranean Gull over Scout Road this morning. Later, just off the moors, 3 were among Black-Headed Gulls in fields below Bob's Smithy Inn along Old Kiln Lane
-- Edited by dave broome on Tuesday 28th of March 2017 11:21:01 AM
Layby off Matchmoor Lane - Burnt Edge - Holdens Farm - Gilligant Farm - Hampsons Farm - Colliers Row - side of Walker Fold wood - Sugar Loaf Plantation - and return via Burnt Edge back to Matchmoor Lane.
Quiet birdwise - too cold for me to go to top of Winter Hill - so stayed in foot hills!
Kestrel x 6 separate sightings Stonechat x 1 Fieldfare x 7 Dunnock x 2 Magpie x 10 Great Tit x 1 Robin x 3 Carrion Crow x 5 Grey Heron x 1 Buzzard x 1 (seen on M61 on way home)