More than 220 species of bird have been recorded in Rochdale. Some such as the Dotterel pass through on their way north, whilst others are resident year round.
The South Pennine Moors support nationally important upland breeding bird populations including Curlew, Dunlin, Golden Plover, Red Grouse and Twite.
Wildfowl and waders can be found in areas such as Hollingworth Lake, Watergrove and Ashworth reservoirs, whilst the wooded areas offer homes to species such as Treecreepers, Nuthatch and Greater Spotted Woodpecker.
The area is also known for Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and Raven.
Each month society members send in records of wildlife seen in their gardens. Sometimes this shows surprising results as seen in this Report of Frequency of Bullfinch Records 2009-17
We often have birding events as part of our programme – for example the New Years Day Bird Race
RFNS Breeding Birds Survey
Number of records sent in by our Garden Observers at both Garden & Non-Garden Sites in Rochdale and the Surrounding Area with these Confirmed Breeding Codes:
NE – nest containing eggs / NY – nest with young/ FF – Adult carrying faecal sac or food
FL – Recently fledged young still dependent on adults (i.e accompanied by adults or being fed by adults)
ON -Adults entering or leaving Nest site, indicating Occupied Nest.
First Dates of Winter Migrant Birds
Our members record the first dates that they spot Redwing, Fieldfare, Brambling or Waxwing in our area.
Here is a chart of the earliest dates recorded for each of those species 2009 – 2023
Summer Migrants
We also record arrival and departure dates for Summer Migrant bird species in our area.
This chart compares the first and last dates for 2023 with the earliest and latest dates observed since 2009
Summer Migrant Birds Arrivals and Departures 2023
Trichomonosis in Rochdale
Trichomonosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Trichomonas gallinae, has significantly impacted the British Greenfinch population.
Greenfinch numbers in our observers’ gardens and around the Rochdale area are still lower than ten years ago.
This disease was first noted in late summer 2006 and is widely recognized as the primary factor behind the rapid decline in Greenfinch numbers.
Find out more about this threat to our finches here
When feeding your garden birds, please keep them safe by taking a few simple precautions:
Practice sensible hygiene when feeding garden birds and handling bird feeders.
Regularly clean and disinfect feeders, feeding sites, and bird baths.
Use suitable disinfectants, such as a weak solution of domestic bleach or commercial products.
Rinse surfaces thoroughly with clean water before reuse
Other data on Rochdale’s birds:
Summary of Bird Records from 1972 -2016 in Borough of Rochdale
For a list of birds seen in SD80, SD81, SD91, and SD90 follow the link below.
Birds Recorded as Present for 2016-2019