2 Blackcaps (1M immediately singing as I entered from Smedley Lane, and later then one I was unable to sex as it shot from thick undergrowth) - yet to see a F at all this year but I was glad to find Blackcaps here, knew it would produce the goods.
+ 2 Chiffchaffs, one which gave obliging views in a bud-tree, singing/feeding.
Also, single drake Mallard on the pool by the Metrolink stop.
-- Edited by John Doherty on Sunday 15th of April 2012 02:55:30 PM
Nothing non-routine, but spent an hour down here in this area today producing:
1 Blackcap 1 Chiffchaff - More heard, but not many for both species. A sprinkling of Swift Lots Great Tit and some Blue Tit 1 Jay Really good numbers of Wren and Long Tailed Tit Lots of Housesparrows enjoying a tree laden with orange berries.
A total and utter scorcher of a day out there today and that was at ten am! The greatness of this site keeps increasing :)
Today:
1 Jay down to five feet - It was on the ground motionless with its mouth open for a whole two mins! 1 Male Bullfinch 3 Blackcaps (2 f 1 m) and many many more heard 3 Greatspotted Woodpeckers (a pair, and a lone M who I watched hammer a reed before Magpies sent it packing ) Lots of Long tailed tit family parties Blue Tits, Wren, Great Tit and some Goldfinch
No trace of any Woodpeckers this in this morning's quick visit in the drizzle - they must have left for drier climes!
Things seen:
Two Dunnocks by entrance of site, still there food-hunting when I came out; 1 lone Swallow over; lots of Wren and Goldfinch, and all the usual tits; Blackcaps heard but not seen.
An outstanding birding afternoon was had here today 1.30-3-30 - my favourite local site now after the second visit only!
Finds:
Highlights: No less than 4 Great Spotted Woodpeckers; 3 Blackcap (2 M 1 F), party of finches consisting of Greenfinch Pair (this site is good for Greenfinch! I now know!)and three Goldfinch; separate Goldfinch family party; Long Tailed Tit young being fed by adults; Lots of Wren, Woodpigeon, Great Tits, Blue Tits, Blackbirds and Magpies; 1 Jay glimpsed briefly and one Collared Dove - I'm going back again tomorrow morning in the vague hope that one of the less common species of Woodpecker is around!
-- Edited by John Doherty on Friday 24th of June 2011 04:39:46 PM
North Manchester - an interesting array of trees including several willow, some blossom trees and banks of nettles attracted me to the potential of this fairly small, essentially urban birding location.
My first go here today in fine weather:
2 Male Blackcaps - many more heard. 1 Whitethroat glimpsed 2 (M/F) Greenfinch Several Goldfinch Lots of Great Tit, Long Tailed and Blue Tit, plus Robins and Wrens, Magpies and Woodpigeons - looking forward to going back!