Low Moor and Oakenshaw Wildlife

Two Swifts drifted S/W over Raw Nook Nr this morning, first of the year.

It is notoriously difficult to prove that you have located a breeding pair of Goldcrest.  This is due to the species mostly nesting in tall fir (type ) trees and the difficulty in seeing a nest from the ground.

However, I have long thought the Goldcrest is a breeding bird in our recording area.  And today I viewed some excellent evidence which in my opinion strongly supports that view.  I observed a female collecting food and with a bill full of food flew off in the direction of some tall fir trees.

Interesting moment this morning as I was coming back from a visit to Toad Holes Beck.  I observed a Jay hopping around and appeared to looking for something.  I waited and then it

started digging and digging and bingo it then found what it must have buried sometime ago.

A nice Acorn!

Thought with the S/E wind this morning some new migrants would have arrived but sadly I was wrong.

I have been contacted by the Environmental Agency regarding the liquid pollution at Toad Holes Beck.  They stated that it has been a fitting on a pipe from a company at the Euroway Trading estate that has probably come loose and allow the liquid to pollute the pond.  They have contacted the landlord of the trading estate to inform all companies to check their pipes.  This may take sometime and they will monitor the situation…..

On a more positive note at the latter site I had to smile at the photo below…Which I’m calling ‘new life’

Marsh Marigolds looking at their best at Toad Holes Beck.

Two Swallows moved west over Caldene Fields and an additional Willow Warbler was found at Raw Nook Nr

Recorded my first Swallow of the year moving north this morning at Caldene Fields.  No other new migrants were recorded but two male Bullfinch were claiming territory at Toad Holes Beck which is good news.

This morning I found that a pair of Mallard have bred at Toad Holes Beck.  A female was keeping her 9 chicks well hidden from view.

Also looking after a family were a pair of Coots also at the site, they had 4 chicks in tow.

The Grey Wagtail is still calling at Caldene Fields and a Willow Warbler was in full song at Raw Nook Nr

A male Goldcrest was in full song at Toad Holes Beck this morning at the same location a pair was observed last year in spring.  An educated guess would be that the species could be now breeding at the site.

There were no new migrants again today.

A Lapwing came in from the south and flew low over Caldene Fields this morning but then left to the north.  This reminded me of years gone by when the species was a regular breeder at the site.  In fact I can remember when 2 pairs bred.  Sadly those days have gone and I’m not sure they will ever return…

Disturbed a male Common Teal this morning at the small pond at Toad Holes Beck.  Flew off immediately..but gut feeling it will return later.

First ever spring record.