At Raw Nook NR today I found a small caterpillar in the heather. Further researched revealed the caterpillar to be of a True Lover’s Knot moth. The moth is a moorland and heathland species. So it’s nice to have it…
House Martins on the move…
At the watch-point today House Martins were again moving through our area with 187 to the west noted. Swallow were also passing but in lower numbers with 29 N/W and 6 S. Other than that it was a fairly quiet…
First Pink-footed geese…
This morning at the watch-point it was very quiet as few birds were observed moving. However, around 08.30 it started to rain and this seemed to have the desired effect of bringing the birds to a lower altitude. The first…
The golds of Autumn…
Well the leaves haven’t changed colour just yet be Goldfinches were certainly getting ready for autumn today at Caldene fields with 102 moving S/W and an additional 50+ feeding in the fields. Also the first movement of Meadow Pipits(south) started…
Those Kingfisher…
Following on from the recent sightings of one and then 2 Kingfishers at gardens in Oakenshaw with one heading towards Toad Holes Beck I spent some time at the site this morning. At first all was quiet on the ponds…
Kingfisher surprise…
Just had an email from David Rhodes at Oakenshaw. Yesterday had a once in a life times experience… A kingfisher yes a ”Kingfisher” flew into his lounge through the French windows. It arrived in a flurry of noise and speed.…
Sightings update…
On the 6th of May I visited Dealburn Road ( opposite the Low Moor tip on Dealburn RD) to see if I could find a Lesser Whitethroat which bred last year at the site. I was in luck with a…
Migrant counts…
Today I conducted a survey of spring migrants that are passing through or staying to breed on the local patch. I first started at Caldene fields where there is a nice male Wheatear (passage) which arrived yesterday and is feeding…
A small influx of Chiffchaffs…
Yesterday I was looking for spring migrants but could only find Chiffchaffs that were enjoying the spring sunshine. In fact there were 3 possibly 2 males and a female at Raw Nook NR and a further 4 at Toad Holes…
Spring is arriving…
A single male Chiffchaff was in full song at Raw Nook Nr this morning…no sign of any other migrants as yet.
