A couple of trips around the Wutchy over the last two evenings, finally got to see a pair of Grey Partridge this evening Woodcock again yesterday and Tawny Owl calling the main highlights. The Corvid roost is impressive and an enjoyable spectacle, not quite as good as Starlings though for flight formation.
I spent my early years nearly every day birdwatching on the Wutchy. When i was a lad C1973 it was still smoking! The hill is made up of the coke from the iron foundry nearby if I remember rightly. I used to spend many an hour flirting along the tops on my Raleigh Chopper.We used to call the rabbit rocks "coin - rock hill" sometimes too....happy days Chris.
Hi Rob, The Wutchy is the large tree covered Ruck which is visible from any decent vantage point in Wigan, near to Woodshaw Flash. in recent years the woodland trust has bought up some of the fields nearby and planted trees, Its probably a good birding area but seems to attract more than its fair share of scrotes making the nearby Haigh CP a more attractive alternative. "The Rockies" I believe is the smaller Ruck also referred to as the Rabbit Rocks that stands next to the Canal next to the Whelley loop line. hope this helps. regards Paul
Another mooch around the Wutchy again this evening, no signs of intended target species of Little Owl and Grey Partridge but an interesting walk regardless. 5 Pheasants roosting in a large bush, then came across a Corvid Roost, hundreds passing low overhead continously, flock after flock for at least 5 mins, not a clue of the numbers in total. Jackdaws and Rooks, A single Woodcock and Tawny Owl calling again also