Lancashire Birding

[nick patel]

hi this is nick patel, i live in preston, in lancashire. are there any lancs birders on, or anyone who has ever been to lancashire birding, as i'd like to know your views of lancashire's bird life and the places you can visit!

[Osprey_watcher]

hi this is nick patel, i live in preston, in lancashire. are there any lancs birders on, or anyone who has ever been to lancashire birding, as i'd like to know your views of lancashire's bird life and the places you can visit!
In Preston you are not far from Leighton Moss RSPB reserve or reserve on the Ribble estuary (can't remember the name).

[nick patel]

yeah i've been to leighton moss quite a bit, and it is brilliant, and the reserve on the ribble is called marshside, and that is amazing, i think it is even better than leighton moss!

[nick patel]

if there are any people viewing this thread now, and are currently regular visitors to rspb marshside in southport, could you please tell me why nel's hide is closed till september.

[johnnyoxygen]

if there are any people viewing this thread now, and are currently regular visitors to rspb marshside in southport, could you please tell me why nel's hide is closed till september.
i was at marshside two weeks ago nick and the pools were very dry,ihave to disagree with you about leighton moss as far as i'm concerned it's one of the best birding sites in the country.you should try pennington flash near leigh,theres about six hides all with different species,my favourite is the bunting hide with all the feeders,cheers john.

[nick patel]

i was at marshside two weeks ago nick and the pools were very dry,ihave to disagree with you about leighton moss as far as i'm concerned it's one of the best birding sites in the country.you should try pennington flash near leigh,theres about six hides all with different species,my favourite is the bunting hide with all the feeders,cheers john.

well i've been to pennington flash twice and i think it is ibrilliant too, and yes the bunting hide is good, but you know how you can see bullfinches quite well from that hide, well in my garden in preston, i get better views of 2 pairs of them, each day!

[Jaff]

Have a look in here

http://www.birdforum.net/forumdisplay.php?f=176

Jaff :hi:

[SiG]

if there are any people viewing this thread now, and are currently regular visitors to rspb marshside in southport, could you please tell me why nel's hide is closed till september.

Hi. I'm a regular at Marshside (although in Sweden at the moment.) Nels is closed because there's no water, and no water = no birds. It closed a bit later this year than last.

A good site to keep an eye on for Marshside news is John Dempsey's Blog
(http://birdblog.merseyblogs.co.uk/)

I spout some nonsense and post my pics from Marshside/Southport on this thread (http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=58511)

[Steve Jones]

Hi Nick, I noticed your Bullfinch pics on Fylde Bird Club website. Do you live in Fulwood?
I'm in Ingol and have had Bullfinch in my garden in the past (most memorable being a male hotly pursued by several sparrows, making a hasty exit).
There's quite a few decent local spots around the north of Preston, handy for patch watching if you dont want to travel any distance. Some of these places have turned up good birds from time to time (as do many when watched enough), e.g.
Brockholes Quarry, Myerscough Quarry, Bartle Pools, Lightfoot Green, Light Ash, Preston Docks, Freckleton Naze, Warton Bank etc.



If you want any further details PM me.

[Stephen Dunstan]

Nick,

For my efforts at the end of the (short) M55 check out:

http://starrgate.blogspot.com/

Regards,

Stephen.

[nick patel]

Hi Nick, I noticed your Bullfinch pics on Fylde Bird Club website. Do you live in Fulwood?
I'm in Ingol and have had Bullfinch in my garden in the past (most memorable being a male hotly pursued by several sparrows, making a hasty exit).
There's quite a few decent local spots around the north of Preston, handy for patch watching if you dont want to travel any distance. Some of these places have turned up good birds from time to time (as do many when watched enough), e.g.
Brockholes Quarry, Myerscough Quarry, Bartle Pools, Lightfoot Green, Light Ash, Preston Docks, Freckleton Naze, Warton Bank etc.



If you want any further details PM me.

those areas you mentioned, i've been to brockholes quarry, myerscough quarry, lightfoot green, preston docks, freckleton naze and warton bank, but i haven't been to bartle pools and light ash. by the way where are bartle pools and light ash. i know that lightfoot green is really good for me as it is just down the road from me, and it has a lot of potential and already hosts a number of birds there. i only went to brockholes 2 days ago, but i thought that was amazing. myerscough quarry is also a good place i've been a bout 3 times. freckleton naze and warton bank are also great, especially the naze point because you can get right up to the river and see loads of birds!
by the way, nice picture of the ringed plover on fylde bird club!

[Steve Jones]

those areas you mentioned, i've been to brockholes quarry, myerscough quarry, lightfoot green, preston docks, freckleton naze and warton bank, but i haven't been to bartle pools and light ash. by the way where are bartle pools and light ash. i know that lightfoot green is really good for me as it is just down the road from me, and it has a lot of potential and already hosts a number of birds there. i only went to brockholes 2 days ago, but i thought that was amazing. myerscough quarry is also a good place i've been a bout 3 times. freckleton naze and warton bank are also great, especially the naze point because you can get right up to the river and see loads of birds!
by the way, nice picture of the ringed plover on fylde bird club!
Thanks Nick.

Bartle Pools is off Sandy Lane, Lower Bartle. Its really a 'winter flood' location (If you go there now all you'll see is cows eating grass), but once it floods later in the year it stays that way into the following summer. The surrounding fields are maize and after the crop has gone there are extensive stubble fields attracting stock doves etc.
Birds seen there include Spotted Redshank, Wood Sandpiper,lots of Ducks, Whimbrel and last Spring literally hundreds (3-400 per night) of Black-Tailed Godwit in their spring finery.
Light Ash is a farm area at Myerscough (and a good 'bolt-on' to a visit to Myerscough Quarry), again with maize fields and the river brock flowing through the middle. There's Kingfishers and Dippers on the river, and the fields hold Grey & Red-Legged Partridge, Lapwings, Larks, Yellowhammers etc..
The winter habitat here is again stubble fields, plus a good winter flood area that attacts Golden Plover, Shelduck and the like.

[nick patel]

cheers steve!

[nick patel]

i was wondering, does anyone know if any of the following places are worth going to and if so, how do i get to them and what dorts of birds they give host to?
inner marsh farm, frampton marsh, sandbach flashes.

also if there are any fylde bird club users, or anyone who lives in the fylde or goes to the fylde frequently, where is the best place for barn owls in the fylde, because i have tried looking for them in the places where they have been seen on fylde bird club, e.g. higher/lower ballam, peel, warton bank, etc. but have had no luck so far.

also does anyone who uses fylde bird club, know where abouts in mythop the green sandpipers are found, i know there are 2 ponds in the area, one little one on a farm, which i checked and saw several snipe and other birds, and there is a much bigger pond also on a farm but more enclosed, just off the road, which i haven't checked yet, can anyone help me with this?

[nick patel]

those areas you mentioned, i've been to brockholes quarry, myerscough quarry, lightfoot green, preston docks, freckleton naze and warton bank, but i haven't been to bartle pools and light ash. by the way where are bartle pools and light ash. i know that lightfoot green is really good for me as it is just down the road from me, and it has a lot of potential and already hosts a number of birds there. i only went to brockholes 2 days ago, but i thought that was amazing. myerscough quarry is also a good place i've been a bout 3 times. freckleton naze and warton bank are also great, especially the naze point because you can get right up to the river and see loads of birds!
by the way, nice picture of the ringed plover on fylde bird club!

steve was it you who put down the reports once, a few weeks ago on fylde bird club, that said 3 bullfinches on ingol golf course and a kingfisher at haslam park, and if so where abouts was the kingfisher on haslam park. also just something you may want to know, just after ingol golf course, there is a dip in a road just before a railwa, called walker lane (which soon after becomes boys lane) and this goes down it towards fulwood, on the right of the road leads to tulketh, and on the left is a little area of scrub, in this scrub i have seen sparrowhawk, blackcap, chiffchaff, and other common birds. just some info i thought you might like to know. also is it you who puts in some of the lightfoot green reports (other than me!).

[Stephen Dunstan]

Nick,

Keep plugging away at Warton Bank or try Over Wyre for owls.

Forget Mythop unless it rains again, try Newton Marsh perhaps for Green Sands.

Stephen.

[nick patel]

thanks stephen, i'll try your suggestions.

[HokkaidoStu]

Hi Nick. I was raised in Penwortham and spent my formative birding years on the south bank of the Ribble between Penwortham and Longton. I'm sure you've already been down there. If you haven't just drive to the bottom of Howick Cross Lane in Higher Penwortham (or cross the river at Broadgate and walk downstream for about an hour or so). It was my local patch when I was at secondary school (1982 to 1987) and also for the various occasions I ended back in Preston between jobs in later life. Of course it's nowhere near as good as Marshside but I still managed over 130 species there.

I hear the Ribble is going to be "developed" in the Broadgate area. Hope this won't impact too much on the birding further downstream. That ghastly newish motorcycling srambling course on the north side of the river (just west of the docks) can't help much either.

The birds have changed quite a lot since my early birding days in the 80's. There used to be lots of Waders and Terns...........in more recent years when I've had chance to revisit my old haunts there didn't seem to be anywhere near as many. Ditto Tree Sparrow, Willow Tit and Corn Bunting. Mind you we never used to have Little Egret which I started seeing in the late 90's. Is the Sand Martin colony still there?

My favourite birding sites around Lancashire used to be the aforementioned Marshside, Fleetwood (for waders and seawatching), Seaforth Dock pools (which may have been closed for public access but was a great place for Gulls and Terns) and South Walney (for migrants, seabirds and waders). The Hodder valley is also worth a visit.

[nick patel]

thanks for all this great information. in actual fact i was just about to go down to the south bank area to see what it held, just the other day but couldn't, but it sure does sound like one not to miss! i've already been to places like marshside, warton bank, freckleton naze, lytham and places like that, but never this place, so i must check it out.
i've been to fleetwood once, didn't see much, but it was raining at that time, so it may be worth checking again. i have not been to seaforth, but even though it is closed off, apparentely you can still see a few things! South walney is great, i've been twice and absolutely loved it, saw quite a few lifers there! and hodder valley i have been to many a time, because i regularly visit the forest of bowland, and also saw some great birds there. once again thanks for the information stu.

[Stephen Dunstan]

To try and broaden this out given the Lancashire Birding title of the thread Blackpool Council are hosting nine whale and dolphin sessions from tomorrow to next Sunday, details on the Council website. Might be a good way for novice birders to get some seabird experience.

Stephen.

[nick patel]

thanks steve.

[Stephen Dunstan]

Nick,

For info a Barn Owl showing very well tonight Naze Point.

Stephen.

[nick patel]

thanks steve

[nick patel]

can anyone help me? i was wondering if anyone can help me by telling where they think is the best place for autumn migrants in lancashire, passerines especially, waders, seabirds, etc. i was thinking of walney island, any comments?

[nick patel]

also does anyone know where the best place is for twite is in lancashire, as i'd love to see one!

[Stephen Dunstan]

can anyone help me? i was wondering if anyone can help me by telling where they think is the best place for autumn migrants in lancashire, passerines especially, waders, seabirds, etc. i was thinking of walney island, any comments?

Err, Walney Island isn't in Lancashire.

Passerines - Heysham, Rossall, Fairhaven (especially vis)
Waders - EM pools (but now dry), Cockersands, Skippool, Marshside
Seabirds - JB Point, Heysham, Rossall, Starr Gate, Formby, Crosby

Twite - Heysham and Knott End, but not until the winter.

Stephen.

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

Err, Walney Island isn't in Lancashire.

Passerines - Heysham, Rossall, Fairhaven (especially vis)
Waders - EM pools (but now dry), Cockersands, Skippool, Marshside
Seabirds - JB Point, Heysham, Rossall, Starr Gate, Formby, Crosby

Twite - Heysham and Knott End, but not until the winter.

Stephen.

I think if Formby Pint was worked more it would produce some real goodies. If you look what has been there down the years it has an impressive record. I think if it was looked at then some ggod stuff would turn up.

Could combine it with a seawatch and some waders, but you'd require different weather for different results

[Stephen Dunstan]

I think if Formby Pint was worked more it would produce some real goodies. If you look what has been there down the years it has an impressive record. I think if it was looked at then some ggod stuff would turn up.

Could combine it with a seawatch and some waders, but you'd require different weather for different results

I agree, though the sheer amount of cover makes it difficult to know where to start. Has a terrific record for Firecrest over the years.

Stephen.

[Marcus Conway - ebirder]

I agree, though the sheer amount of cover makes it difficult to know where to start. Has a terrific record for Firecrest over the years.

Stephen.

Yeah and on the flip side it could be a desolate and unrewarding day!

I saw yellow browed warbler at the entrance to fishermans path in the 90's. I know someone who has had golden oriole too.

On the seawatch front have had both petrels, three skuas, sabs gull and sooty shearwater. I put in a lot of hours to get that though and the moutn of the Mersey may produce the sme in the same conditions.

[nick patel]

Err, Walney Island isn't in Lancashire.

Passerines - Heysham, Rossall, Fairhaven (especially vis)
Waders - EM pools (but now dry), Cockersands, Skippool, Marshside
Seabirds - JB Point, Heysham, Rossall, Starr Gate, Formby, Crosby

Twite - Heysham and Knott End, but not until the winter.

Stephen.

thanks for this stephen, and sorry i know walney is in cumbria, i forgot, but that's a good place aswell. By the way, what does "(especially vis)" mean, thanks.

[Stephen Dunstan]

Nick,

Especially vis means especially visible migration, i.e. large numbers of birds on good days passing overhead in the first few hours of daylight.

Stephen.

[sparrowbirder]

Marshside annoys me..this place has so much potential but never seems to have water at the right time of year i.e now! shame there is no way of regulating the water supply from all the ditches around the place, apparently this is a no goer.. a former regular site of mine was Formby Cabin Hill, a really nice spot close to Altcar rifle range, been some goodies here in the past Icterine warbler, Yellow-browed etc but probably underwatched, Britains first Eleonoras falcon was here in 1977,so obviously potential.
Marine gardens and Potters Barn park in Crosby, behind the Marina, have great potential,can be crawling with birds on good fall days,but are very rarely watched, remember Seaforth is only over the road and has a great record for American passerines and other scarce migrants..

[jinglebird]

well i've been to pennington flash twice and i think it is ibrilliant too, and yes the bunting hide is good, but you know how you can see bullfinches quite well from that hide, well in my garden in preston, i get better views of 2 pairs of them, each day!

Hi Nick, i went to Pennington flashes today and saw great crested grebe, cormorant, grey heron, mute swan, canada goose, white farmyard goose, greylag goose, mallard, lots of duck hybrids, tufted duck, moorhen, coot, lapwing, black headed gull, herring gull, common tern, woodpigeon, collared dove, swift, great spotted woodpecker, my friend saw a lesser spotted woodpecker, swallow, house martin, sand martin, pied wagtail, wren, dunnock, robin, blackbird, marsh/ willow tit, blue tit, great tit, magpie, jackdaw, carrion crow, house sparrow, chaffinch, greenfinch, bullfinch,

[jinglebird]

Hi Nick, i went to Pennington flashes today and saw great crested grebe, cormorant, grey heron, mute swan, canada goose, white farmyard goose, greylag goose, mallard, lots of duck hybrids, tufted duck, moorhen, coot, lapwing, black headed gull, herring gull, common tern, woodpigeon, collared dove, swift, great spotted woodpecker, my friend saw a lesser spotted woodpecker, swallow, house martin, sand martin, pied wagtail, wren, dunnock, robin, blackbird, marsh/ willow tit, blue tit, great tit, magpie, jackdaw, carrion crow, house sparrow, chaffinch, greenfinch, bullfinch. the marsh/willow tit was a willow tit.

[jinglebird]

[QUOTE=jinglebird]Hi Nick, i went to Pennington flashes today and saw great crested grebe, cormorant, grey heron, mute swan, canada goose, white farmyard goose, greylag goose, mallard, lots of duck hybrids, tufted duck, moorhen, coot, lapwing, black headed gull, herring gull, common tern, woodpigeon, collared dove, swift, great spotted woodpecker, my friend saw a lesser spotted woodpecker, swallow, house martin, sand martin, pied wagtail, wren, dunnock, robin, blackbird, marsh/ willow tit, blue tit, great tit, magpie, jackdaw, carrion crow, house sparrow, chaffinch, greenfinch, bullfinch.
And the time after i saw great crested grebe, little grebe, cormorant, grey heron, mute swan, Canada goose ,greylag goose, teal, mallard, garganey, pochard, tufted duck, buzzard, moorhen, coot, lapwing, black-headed gull, lesser black backed gull, herring gull, common tern, woodpigeon, swift, kingfisher o:) swallow, house martin, sand martin, dunnock, robin, blackbird, willow tit, blue tit, great tit, coal tit, magpie, carrion crow, chaffinch, greenfinch and bullfinch ( plus mystery bird) o:)

[jinglebird]

[QUOTE=jinglebird]Hi Nick, i went to Pennington flashes today and saw great crested grebe, cormorant, grey heron, mute swan, canada goose, white farmyard goose, greylag goose, mallard, lots of duck hybrids, tufted duck, moorhen, coot, lapwing, black headed gull, herring gull, common tern, woodpigeon, collared dove, swift, great spotted woodpecker, my friend saw a lesser spotted woodpecker, swallow, house martin, sand martin, pied wagtail, wren, dunnock, robin, blackbird, marsh/ willow tit, blue tit, great tit, magpie, jackdaw, carrion crow, house sparrow, chaffinch, greenfinch, bullfinch

By the way you are lucky to have bullfinches: I don't and they are not common birds! :storm: B (: :-C :gh: :hippy: :frog: :eek!:

[jinglebird]

Hi Nick, i went to Pennington flashes today and saw great crested grebe, cormorant, grey heron, mute swan, canada goose, white farmyard goose, greylag goose, mallard, lots of duck hybrids, tufted duck, moorhen, coot, lapwing, black headed gull, herring gull, common tern, woodpigeon, collared dove, swift, great spotted woodpecker, my friend saw a lesser spotted woodpecker, swallow, house martin, sand martin, pied wagtail, wren, dunnock, robin, blackbird, marsh/ willow tit, blue tit, great tit, magpie, jackdaw, carrion crow, house sparrow, chaffinch, greenfinch, bullfinch,Has anyone noticed all the black headed gulls have gone into their winter plumage when it is still summer? If so, please can you tell me why.
By the way I saw a really weird bird, it was obviosly a goose, was Greylag sized, had a big, heavy beak like a Greylag, but had a beak with a shield the same colour as the beak (orange) and a little bit of white above its beak. (but not as much as a White-fronted.)Do you think it could be a hybrid White
fronted x Greylag?It was in summer. I also saw a grey wagtail in Dofcocker Resovoir, which is lowland in the breeding season which is strange for a Grey Wagtail. :clap:

[nick patel]

today on the 26th, in my garden right now i have a nuthatch, and i am getting really good views of it!

[jinglebird]

today on the 26th, in my garden right now i have a nuthatch, and i am getting really good views of it!
I have had one once and my friend (Joan) has loads, aswell as gt. spotted woodpeckers, tree sparrows, bullfinches, Green wdpeckers and goldfinches in winter . Treecreepers creep[ on her trees. She gets Coal, Great, Blue and Longtailed Tits. B (: :flowers: :eat:

[Colin Bushell]

Hi Nick,

Just noticed this thread as I was searching for Lancs birding on the forum. I'm fairly new to the area (moved here in 2001) but I've had some very productive birding near Preston at Brockholes Quarry and along the Ribble Estuary at Freckleton and Warton. The latter two sites could do with more coverage I reckon - not great for rarities but huge numbers of common stuff. Watch out for the 10 metre tides at Warton and get to the Bank for raptors and Water Pipits in March / April.

Cheers,
Colin

[nick patel]

Thanks for your comments colin. Brockholes quarry and the ribble estuary are favoured sites by me as well, i regularly visit them too. Which other places in the fylde do you visit, i visit all of it quite regularly. I just visited marton mere recently to see the long eared owls, a new bird for me. Also place like forest of bowland are very good birdwatching places as well, have you tried there.
thanks,
nick.

[Colin Bushell]

Thanks for your comments colin. Brockholes quarry and the ribble estuary are favoured sites by me as well, i regularly visit them too. Which other places in the fylde do you visit, i visit all of it quite regularly. I just visited marton mere recently to see the long eared owls, a new bird for me. Also place like forest of bowland are very good birdwatching places as well, have you tried there.
thanks,
nick.

Hi Nick,

If I do wander away from the Ribble then my favourite Fylde area has to be Pilling for the geese. Otherwise I infrequently visit Bowland and Martin Mere WWT every now and then. Might have to pop out to Marton for the owls though ........

Colin

[lammy]

Thanks for your comments colin. Brockholes quarry and the ribble estuary are favoured sites by me as well, i regularly visit them too. Which other places in the fylde do you visit, i visit all of it quite regularly. I just visited marton mere recently to see the long eared owls, a new bird for me. Also place like forest of bowland are very good birdwatching places as well, have you tried there.
thanks,
nick.

Hi Nick
My son and I are hoping to go and see the L E Owls at Marton. We went last year and parked in the caravan park but i heard this has been stopped, where is the best place to park now?

Regards Roy.

[nick patel]

Hi Nick
My son and I are hoping to go and see the L E Owls at Marton. We went last year and parked in the caravan park but i heard this has been stopped, where is the best place to park now?

Regards Roy.

We usually park near the north-east end of the mere, south-west of staining.

nick.

[Colin Bushell]

Glorious day at the Mere today. Highlights included single Bewick's Swan in amongst 1000 or so Whoopers, Peregrine, Merlin, Marsh Harrier, 4 Buzzards, 176 Pochard, 6 Ruddy Duck, 20+ Ruff, Gt sp Woodpecker, Grey Wag and Tree Sparrows. The escaped adult Red-breasted Goose was with the feral Barnacles feeding with a few hundred Pink-feet from United Utilities hide and as i wakled back to the exit at dusk from here a Woodcock flew across the path.

[aebs]

No posts for a while on this thread, but I live on teh Lancs/Cheshire border and regularly visit sites in both counties. I've a section on my web site that describes places that I've visited and will be adding to this as I get to new places on my 'must visit' list. Also lots of pictures of the birds I've been lucky enough to see. www.worldbirds.co.uk.

[aebs]

No posts for a while on this thread, but I live on the Lancs/Cheshire border and regularly visit sites in both counties. I've a section on my web site that describes places that I've visited and will be adding to this as I get to new places on my 'must visit' list. Also lots of pictures of the birds I've been lucky enough to see. www.worldbirds.co.uk.

[nick patel]

absolutely brilliant website aebs, just the one i have been looking for, as it have pictures of birds, that are from near me, plus, in general the photos are excellent. Thanks for telling me about this website.

nick patel.

[aebs]

absolutely brilliant website aebs, just the one i have been looking for, as it have pictures of birds, that are from near me, plus, in general the photos are excellent. Thanks for telling me about this website.

nick patel.

Thanks for the kind comments about the site. I try to add to it every month. If you sign up for the newsletter you can get notified when new pictures , sites or other info is added.

Regards,

Steve

[nick patel]

Today when looking for Waxwing on Stocks road, Preston (i have been a few times to search the trees here this winter, and had no luck), i finally came across 1, feeding and moving between the Rowan trees and the Lime trees. I got brilliant views, and even at one point it was in a Rowan tree right next to me. It didn't seem very shy. There were a few Starlings and Blackbirds amongst the trees where it was feeding and resting.

[Colin Bushell]

Hi Nick,
Waxwing present today again in Preston and then onto Woodwell for Hawfinch. Saw this virtually as soon as we arrived, and as usual no sign again, despite another hour or so searching. Last stop was Stone Jetty (Morcambe) where the Purple Sand' was in situ nearby. Scaup off the prom', plus a few G c. Grebes and Goldeneye too. Not a bird day in Lancs.

[nick patel]

Hi Colin, whereabouts at Woodwell did you see the Hawfinch - we have tried 2 times now and failed both times.

[Colin Bushell]

Hi Nick,

I saw the Hawfinch yesterday by the last house (on the left) as you go down the lane. Can't remember the name of it, but I've always seen them near there or down the little public footpath at the side of the house. Normally I pick them up by their sharp "tick" call, but yesterday's bird was silent. Like I say, I tend to see them pretty quickly, or not at all at Woodwell. It was about 11 AM I think. Good luck!

[Colin Bushell]

Nice afternoon out at Pilling today: Lesser Snow Goose and 4 Barnacles easy to see, but distant. Couple of Little Egrets plus a Peregrine only other things of note. Stuck a pic on my blog of the Snow Goose.

Colin

[mports]

Hi Nick,
Waxwing present today again in Preston and then onto Woodwell for Hawfinch. Saw this virtually as soon as we arrived, and as usual no sign again, despite another hour or so searching. Last stop was Stone Jetty (Morcambe) where the Purple Sand' was in situ nearby. Scaup off the prom', plus a few G c. Grebes and Goldeneye too. Not a bird day in Lancs.
Hi All,

For the record we haven't seen the Waxwing in Stocks Road, Preston this week to my knowledge. Last weekend we had people driving all the way from London just to try and catch a glimpse - I'd hate for people to make a wasted journey, if we see it again I'll post a reply here.

Cheers

Mark

[nick patel]

Today at Lightfoot green quarry (north-west of Preston) i found two Little ringed plovers in a flood at the quarry. I haven't seen one of these (let alone two) since last summer!

[Colin Bushell]

Today at Lightfoot green quarry (north-west of Preston) i found two Little ringed plovers in a flood at the quarry. I haven't seen one of these (let alone two) since last summer!

Nice one Nick! First local ones I've heard of this Spring. I've not looked at the Lightfoot Green Quarry lately, have to try it soon.

Colin

[nick patel]

Had a visit to Lightfoot green today, and saw:
4 Sand martins, Little ringed plover, 2 Green sandpiper, 20+ Blackbird, 50+ Black headed gull, 20+ Blue tit, 4 Canada goose, 50+ Carrion crow, 20+ Chaffinch, 2 Coal tit, 2 singing Chiffchaff, 2 Common gull (adult and 1st-winter), 6 Coot, Cormorant, 30+ Feral rock dove, 3 Tufted duck (2 male and female), 10+ Dunnock, 5+ Goldfinch, 20+ Great tit, 4 Little grebe, 5+ Greenfinch, Grey heron, 20+ Lesser black backed gull, 50+ Jackdaw, 10+ Rook, 20+ Magpie, 2 Jay, 2 Kestrel, 50+ Lapwing, 10+ Linnet, 20+ Mallard, 10+ Meadow pipit, Mistle thrush, Moorhen, 4+ Oystercatcher, 2 Red legged partridge, Pheasant, 10+ Pied wagtail, 30+ Wood pigeon, 20+ Robin, Shelduck flew south, Skylark, Snipe, 5+ Song thrush, Juvenile Sparrowhawk, 20+ Starling, Treecreeper, 10+ Wren. (Weasel)

[nick patel]

10+ Wheatear at Lightfoot green quarry today, only seen wheatear here once before and that was only two. All 10+ were seen on rocks/boulders next to a pit directly north of the quarry, and parrallel to the brook. There was also 2 Common sandpiper, Male Blackcap, 20+ Willow warbler, Chiffchaff, 50+ Swallow, 200+ Sand martin, Treecreeper, etc.

[Colin Bushell]

Hi Nick,

Seems there was a "mini-fall" of Wheatears in the area the other day as I had a few at Brockholes too. A nice selection of birds at Lightfoot Green Quarry there Nick - a site worthy of coverage, no doubt.

I suppose you've heard about the Ring Ouzels and Dotterels at Pendle this weekend (not sure if they have been seen today)? I've put a few pics from my day out there yesterday here (http://latinamericabirding.blogspot.com/) in case you're interested.

Colin

[nick patel]

Hi Nick,

Seems there was a "mini-fall" of Wheatears in the area the other day as I had a few at Brockholes too. A nice selection of birds at Lightfoot Green Quarry there Nick - a site worthy of coverage, no doubt.

I suppose you've heard about the Ring Ouzels and Dotterels at Pendle this weekend (not sure if they have been seen today)? I've put a few pics from my day out there yesterday here (http://latinamericabirding.blogspot.com/) in case you're interested.

Colin

Hi Collin,

Your Pendle hill pictures are really good, especially the Dotterel. I went to see the Ring ouzels (a new one for me) at Horwich yesterday, and got great views . Attached are some heavily cropped images from Burnt edge. One of which showing the Ring ouzels and Wheatears in close quarters to one another.

[purpleturtle]

Hi Nick and Colin,
I recognise your names from the ELOC. I'm based in Clitheroe. Colin, I must have crossed paths with you as I was up Pendle hill on the 21st and was also in Mindo ,Ecuador in March!!!

[Colin Bushell]

Hi Nick and Neil,

Nice pics Nick - it's been a great Spring for Ouzels. Neil, I was the birdre lugging a 'scope and tripod and dragging his poor wife up to the summit! Isn't Mindo brilliant? Can't wait to get back there in November. Next up - Panama in May. Like your blog by the way - I'll keep track of it.

Colin

[Colin Bushell]

Cracking male Redstart singing in Brock Valley today at Waddecar. Spent all his time singing from the top of the tree so hard to get pics. Best effort on my blog anyway. Pied Fly' easy there too.

Colin

[Colin Bushell]

Just back after a lengthy spell abroad and finally managed to catch up with a Lancs Great White Egret at the weekend! Thankfully the long stayer at Leighton Moss is still around. Record shot taken in the failing light and drizzle on my blog.

[Johnny1]

Welcome back, I've missed reading your thread.

[WyreWader]

Welcome back, I've missed reading your thread.

I didn't realise there was a Lancashire thread, I shall watch out for it in future & add a few of my own sightings.

On that score, there were approx 100 Curlew feeding in the fields @ Tongues Lane, Preesall this afternoon.

In addition there were lots of Red legged Partridge around Fluke Hall Lane in Pilling, where there was a shoot in progress so presumably the Partridge had been released today for a spot of target practice.

[nick patel]

I didn't realise there was a Lancashire thread, I shall watch out for it in future & add a few of my own sightings.

On that score, there were approx 100 Curlew feeding in the fields @ Tongues Lane, Preesall this afternoon.

In addition there were lots of Red legged Partridge around Fluke Hall Lane in Pilling, where there was a shoot in progress so presumably the Partridge had been released today for a spot of target practice.

Hi,
always seen Red-legged partridge in big numbers at Fluke hall, must be released quite frequently.
Saw my first large Fieldfare flocks of the year yesterday over Preston, and had a great view of the Thousands-strong Starling flock coming to roost at Marton mere the other day. A great experience, and is well worth seeing!

[WyreWader]

Hi,
always seen Red-legged partridge in big numbers at Fluke hall, must be released quite frequently.
Saw my first large Fieldfare flocks of the year yesterday over Preston, and had a great view of the Thousands-strong Starling flock coming to roost at Marton mere the other day. A great experience, and is well worth seeing!


Evening Nick, it's Cliff here, the Wyrewader tag dates back to when I signed up here two years ago & at the time I thought I'd go for anonymity, so I think I'm stuck with it now.

Re. the Starlings at Marton Mere, do you mean Martin Mere? I've seen & photo'd 'em at the latter, but never seen them roosting at Marton Mere - although I've usually cleared off before dark as I'm scared I'll get mugged - but the new CCTV cameras may now help improve matters on that score.

[Stephen Dunstan]

There can be a sizeable Starling roost in the reeds at Marton Mere, as well as the Blackpool piers.

Stephen.

[nick patel]

Evening Nick, it's Cliff here, the Wyrewader tag dates back to when I signed up here two years ago & at the time I thought I'd go for anonymity, so I think I'm stuck with it now.

Re. the Starlings at Marton Mere, do you mean Martin Mere? I've seen & photo'd 'em at the latter, but never seen them roosting at Marton Mere - although I've usually cleared off before dark as I'm scared I'll get mugged - but the new CCTV cameras may now help improve matters on that score.

The starling roost all flew down into the Reeds fringing the mere (Marton).

[WyreWader]

The starling roost all flew down into the Reeds fringing the mere (Marton).

Apologies Nick, I'd read on your blog that you'd recently been at Martin Mere, so thought the Marton was a typo - my mistake. I must take the time to hang around at marton Mere one evening to watch the roost.

I had a quick drive down Fluke Hall Lane today, still plenty of Reg legged Partridge about despite yesterdays shoot, plus plenty of Crows, Lapwings & a few Oycs. Two skeins of Geese flew overhead along with a couple of Curlew.

Later, on Greendicks Lane, Preesall, there was a solitary Kestrel on the overhead cables. I've attached (hopefully if it works?) a few photos.

[nick patel]

Apologies Nick, I'd read on your blog that you'd recently been at Martin Mere, so thought the Marton was a typo - my mistake. I must take the time to hang around at marton Mere one evening to watch the roost.

I had a quick drive down Fluke Hall Lane today, still plenty of Reg legged Partridge about despite yesterdays shoot, plus plenty of Crows, Lapwings & a few Oycs. Two skeins of Geese flew overhead along with a couple of Curlew.

Later, on Greendicks Lane, Preesall, there was a solitary Kestrel on the overhead cables. I've attached (hopefully if it works?) a few photos.

Nice pics Cliff! (also saw them on Bird guides)

[WyreWader]

Another trip to Fluke Hall Lane this morning produced my first sightings this Autumn of Whooper Swans flying in, I got a couple of shots of a few of the 30 or so Whoopers that flew by.

In addition there was a large flock of Finches which I think were mainly Linnets.

Moving on to Todderstaffe Hall feeding station there were 15+ Tree Sparrows along with various other bits'n'pieces.

I've attached a few photos.

[nick patel]

Incredible pictures Cliff, especially the Tree sparrows.

Today saw pretty much the same stuff, as i went to Marshside, Mere sands wood and Myerscough quarry today. Saw my first Whoopers todays of this autumn as well. These were at Mere sands wood, feeding in a ploughed field. This was my 1st time to MSW and it is such a tranquil place to sit in the hide and enjoy!
Marshside produced hundreds of Migrants, mainly passerines, but as usual lots of Winter waders and wildfowl.

Myerscough quarry was booming with Birds, including a Teal/Garganey which i couldn't fully identify - any help? see this thread...

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=99360

Here are a few highlights from the day, and a few (record) pics as well:

Marshside:

Whooper swan flew west, 50+ Pink footed geese, Male Blackcap, 2 Fieldfare, Goldcrest, 10+ House sparrow, Kestrel, Little egret, 100+ Meadow pipit, 10+ Pintail, 50+ Redwing, 5+ Reed bunting, Ruff, 10+ Siskin, 100+ Skylark, Lesser redpoll.

Mere sands wood:

100+ Fieldfare, Gadwall, Goldcrests (many), 5+ Great spotted woodpecker, Jay, 3 Great crested grebe, 2 Little grebe, lots of Long tailed tits, 30+ Mallard, Mistle thrush, 3 Nuthatch, 100+ Pink footed geese, 5+ Pochard, 10+ Shoveler, 50+ Siskin, Skylarks, 30+ Teal, 30+ Tree sparrow (some showing v.well at the feeding stations), 10+ Treecreeper, 30+ Whooper swans in a ploughed field (see pic), 30+ Wigeon.

Myerscough quarry:

10+ Blackbird, 200+ Black headed gull, 173 Canada geese, 10+ Common gull, 3 Cormorant, 30+ Coot, 100+ Fieldfare, Female Goldeneye, Great spotted woodpecker (v.obliging - shame poor pic(taken through bins)), 2 Grey wagtail, Lesser black backed gull, 7 Little grebe, 10+ Long tailed tit, 50+ Meadow pipit, 2 Mute swan, 4 Pied wagtail, 50+ Redwing, 2 Reed bunting, 30+ Shoveler, 10+ Snipe (all common), 20+ Teal, 30+ tufted duck.

[Floyd Barnes]

Cliff Tree Sparrow shots are outstanding.
Floyd

[WyreWader]

Myerscough quarry was booming with Birds, including a Teal/Garganey which i couldn't fully identify - any help?

Hi Nick

I'm glad our learned friends @ your link have come up with an ID for you as my identification skills are pretty poor.

Sounds like you had a top day out, great shots too.
I've been to Mere Sands Wood twice this year & think it's a great reserve. Very nicely maintained & both times I visited the people I've bumped into have been extremely friendly & helpful - I had a few Kingfisher sightings the 1st time I went. I would imagine that as the trees lose their leaves it will really come into it's own?

Myerscough Quarry I've only been to once & was a bit unsure about access to the field where the lake/pond is - can anyone confirm what the access situation is here as I'm a bit old to be legging it from an irate farmer with pitchfork in hand?

Floyd - thanks for your kind comment re. my tree Sparrow shots. |:$|

[Floyd Barnes]

Cliff , regarding access to Myerscough Quarry . whenever ive been . I park by the canal bridge on Bensons Lane (i think) which is very close to the main pool. Ive always assumed this is OK ?
Have you got a bird photography website ?
All the best , Floyd

[WyreWader]

Cliff , regarding access to Myerscough Quarry . whenever ive been . I park by the canal bridge on Bensons Lane (i think) which is very close to the main pool. Ive always assumed this is OK ?
Have you got a bird photography website ?
All the best , Floyd

Hi Floyd, re Myerscough, when I last visited(which is two years ago now so it may have changed) I parked up, as you describe, near the canal bridge, crossed over the canal, but wasn't sure just what the access situation to Myerscough Quarry was as actually getting to the lake seemed to involve climbing over a fence that suggested that it's maybe private.
So, is it a case of viewing from distance (which is no good for my photography needs) or is it OK to scale the fence & approach the water?

BTW - Floyd - I don't have a website but do have galleries at this link: -

http://www.pbase.com/cliff_5d

Sightings these last few days have included 3 Jays in Out Rawcliffe, lots of Greenfinch around the car park at Fluke Hall, Pilling. What i think is a Spotted Redshank at Sunderland Point, where, amongst the usual suspects, were plenty of Turnstone & a Little Egret.

The light was really poor for photography, but I got a few shots of the Spotted Redshank, but my faves were of this Curlew that seemed to be suffering from a bit of an itch that it's struggling to scratch.

[Colin Bushell]

Made a tour of the south shore of Morcambe Bay this morning. Plenty of birds around with 1000's of Pink-footed Geese in the Pilling area. High tide roost at Pilling Marsh was spectacular with 600 Golden Plover on the sands, 30 Whoopers on the marsh and 6 Twite flying by.
Made my way to Cockersands where female Merlin and 4 Twite were the most noteworthy birds but Conder Green was most rewarding with a couple of Spotted Redshanks and a Greenshank on the estuary. Nice day. Some pics from my day out can be seen here (http://latinamericabirding.blogspot.com/).

[Colin Bushell]

Popped out to see the Long-tailed Duck (http://latinamericabirding.blogspot.com/)at Upper Roddleswoth Res' this afternoon. Well worth the short trip from Preston.

Colin

[WyreWader]

Some pics from my day out can be seen here (http://latinamericabirding.blogspot.com/).

Great photos at your website Colin, I love the Grey plover shot, it's a terrific looking bird.

I think, despite keeping a regular lookout, I must be the only person not to see a Merlin in the Pilling/Cockersands area now.|=(|

[Colin Bushell]

Hi Cliff,

I see Merlin at Cockersands quite often in the winter months. Usually I just stand on the seawall near Plover Scar and scan the inland fields behind the old abbey. There's often a Merlin on one of the fence posts.

[nick patel]

Hi Cliff,

I see Merlin at Cockersands quite often in the winter months. Usually I just stand on the seawall near Plover Scar and scan the inland fields behind the old abbey. There's often a Merlin on one of the fence posts.

I usually see more Merlins at Marshside in Winter, than in the Fylde, although i have seen a couple at Eagland hill. The Ones at Marshside can show really well on close posts or sometimes, be a tricky one sitting on a post miles out on the Saltmarsh.

P.S. Have seen some Summer breeders up in Bowland before.

[sparrowbirder]

For anybody interested, the mighty tome The Birds of Lancashire and North Merseyside is soon to be published (feb 2008) , it looks a great read, and is available for the pre publication price of £30 (normally £40), this is a must have volume for anybody interested in Lancashires avifauna, with indepth species accounts and information on all of Lancashires 348 recorded species,up to the end of 2005, 466 pages, 311 original photos, a unique reference guide

[Floyd Barnes]

3 Crossbills seen this morning in the forest, next to Longridge Fell
In the afternoon the only sighting at Pendle Hill . Was a fairly late female Wheatear.
F.B.

[WyreWader]

Five Little Egrets on Pilling marsh yesterday, along with a Grey Heron & plenty of Curlew. A skein of 50+ geese flew over, along with 20+ Shelduck. Numerous Skylark in the fields alongside Fluke Hall Lane.

Everything seemed out of range for photography, but what the heck, here's what I got anyway, the Starling taken when I got back home.

[Floyd Barnes]

Had a very enjoyable afternoon , at Warton Marsh today .Quite a few different species of wader on show with Golden Plover , Lapwing and Dunlin most abundant. Along with 11snipe flying about ,a few Curlew , Oystercatchers ,Redshank and BT Godwits also , although the sun was not in my favour .
Ducks included a few Shelduck , 3 Teal , Mallard as well as several Hundred Wigeon .
3 L Egrets on the edge of the river with about 700 Pinkfeet over Banks Marsh.
Highlights were 200+ Fieldfare at the end of Naze Lane in the hedgerows along , with a sprinkling of Redwing , a distant Peregrine , a Merlin in a Flamboyant but futile chase of a M Pipit and 62 Whoopers (in 3 lots) dropping in presumably to roost . cheers
Floyd

[nick patel]

Five Little Egrets on Pilling marsh yesterday, along with a Grey Heron & plenty of Curlew. A skein of 50+ geese flew over, along with 20+ Shelduck. Numerous Skylark in the fields alongside Fluke Hall Lane.

Everything seemed out of range for photography, but what the heck, here's what I got anyway, the Starling taken when I got back home.

Some nice pics there Cliff. Just come back from Marlow nr London. Having seen Red kites, Water rails, Parakeets, Egyptian geese, etc! The Kite vies are really good, you can sit in a suburban garden in the middle of the town, and watch tens of Red kites go by.

[gossypots]

Hi Nick and all , could anyone tell me the best places to see Nuthatch and lesser spotted woodpecker ,either in the preston area or lancashire please.Also has anyone visited Brockhalls quarry in the last week and if so is there anything of note showing.Thanks Gossy.

[nick patel]

Hi Gossy, if you want to see Brockholes quarry sightings see:

http://www.eastlancsbirding.co.uk/forum/

they also have a gallery on this website.

Not sure where the best place is for Lesser spotted woodpecker, in Lancashire, though Lesser spotted woodpeckers are meant to breed in Boilton wood at Brockholes, but i'm not sure whether you would see one there though, as they are seldom seen a lot.

Nuthatch are fairly common (have one come to my garden sometimes), in the area. But the place for Nuthatches, that i would recommend is Haighton house woods near Fulwood/Grimsargh, where just the other week i saw 10+ in one area!

[gossypots]

Thanks alot Nick,off to brockhalls on friday,will try Haighton house next week.Thanks again.

[WyreWader]

Another good place for Nuthatch is the feeding station at Scorton picnic site.
I only get there occasionally so am no expert, but Nuthatch seem to come regularly to the feeders, along with Great spotted Woodys & the occasional Jay, with Treecreepers in attendance too.

Last time I was there was 14/09/07 when I photo'd the attached Nuthatch from the car.

Today I seemed to choose the dullest, dampest part of the day to visit Marton Mere & the only half decent shot I got was the attached Shoveler.

[nick patel]

I saw a Nuthatch today at School.

Nice colours on the Shoveler Cliff!

[Alkip]

We're planning a trip to Martin Mere in a week or so, I can't wait. It's years since I've been which is strange as it's only 30 miles or so away from where we live. I've just got myself a new camera and am looking forward to using it, if I get some shots half as good as those above I'll be pleased.

[WyreWader]

We're planning a trip to Martin Mere in a week or so, I can't wait. It's years since I've been which is strange as it's only 30 miles or so away from where we live. I've just got myself a new camera and am looking forward to using it, if I get some shots half as good as those above I'll be pleased.

Hi Alkip, have you made your trip to Martin Mere yet & if so how did you get on? I would imagine it's quite busy at the moment because of the Autumnwatch effect?

Nick - re the Red Kites, me & the missus have just had a few days in Wales with the intention of visiting Gigrin farm - we never got there but instead visited Bwlch Nant-yr-Arian and watched up to 100 Red Kites at the feeding station there as they soared around the natural amphitheater the hills, lake & trees create - a truly fantastic experience & well worth a visit. here's a link to their website: -

http://www.nantyrarian.com/

More recently - yesterday infact, I had a lunchtime walk around Marton Mere & saw, of note, 1 x Sparrowhawk, 1 x Kestrel, 2 x Great spotted Woodpecker & 1 x Reed Bunting, I've attached a few photos below.

I also photo'd various gulls, which I'll maybe add to another post & seek guidance re their id from you guys?

Cheers

Cliff

[WyreWader]

I've still got the aforementioned gull photos to post for ID, but in the meantime thought I'd add a couple more photos from the last few days - which include a Bittern taken from the Public hide Leighton Moss on Friday, a rather frisky Drake Mallard at Marton Mere yesterday, trying, as they do, to drown it's mate, a (Herring?)gull with multiple wings & a few Wigeon at Sunderland point.

[nick patel]

Some more brilliant pictures Cliff.
Last weekend i was at Lightfoot green, i flushed up a Jack snipe, this was a first for me, and a first for me on the site. There was also lots of Common snipe, and 2 Green sandpiper. I saw loads of different species of Birds, and if you want to see the full report, see the Lightfoot green sightings page, on my Website:

http://www.asbi82.dsl.pipex.com/mypage.htm

You might have to wait till c8 PM tonight before the latest sightings come up. As i need to upload the latest part of my Site.

[gossypots]

Nick,looked at your website the other day,its really good.Went to visit Lightfoot green the other day,but when i got to the layby to pull up in front of the main Quarry access, I wasnt sure how to get on to the site ,any help would be appreciated.Cheers

[nick patel]

Nick,looked at your website the other day,its really good.Went to visit Lightfoot green the other day,but when i got to the layby to pull up in front of the main Quarry access, I wasnt sure how to get on to the site ,any help would be appreciated.Cheers

I'll PM it to you.

[gossypots]

Nick , just read your info on lightfoot green,very much appreciated .Thanx

[ikw101]

Any recent news of Barn Owls in Over Wyre?

I use to regularly see them from the roads heading out of Our Rawcliffe to Nateby and Garstang. Likewise heading north over Cockerham Marshes up to Lancaster. Not heard of any for a long time but I'm hoping to be up in the area in a couple of weeks time.

Cheers

[nick patel]

Great day at Waddington and Stocks reservoir. Highlights include: Great grey shrike, Peregrine, Hen harrier, Aythya hybrid, etc.

More pictures on my Blog, and info on the ELOC website.

[gossypots]

Does anyone know of a website that logs the birds at Leighton Moss on a daily basis,like the east lancs one that Nick posted a while ago for Brockholes.Cheers

[nick patel]

Does anyone know of a website that logs the birds at Leighton Moss on a daily basis,like the east lancs one that Nick posted a while ago for Brockholes.Cheers

Try this:

http://www.lancasterbirdwatching.org.uk/forum/list.php?1

[gossypots]

Thanks Nick , dont suppose you know any for records at Pennington flash do you ? Cheers

[nick patel]

Thanks Nick , dont suppose you know any for records at Pennington flash do you ? Cheers

For Pennington flash i would use:

http://www.manchesterbirding.com/ (http://www.manchesterbirding.com/)

[WyreWader]

Any recent news of Barn Owls in Over Wyre?

I use to regularly see them from the roads heading out of Our Rawcliffe to Nateby and Garstang. Likewise heading north over Cockerham Marshes up to Lancaster. Not heard of any for a long time but I'm hoping to be up in the area in a couple of weeks time.

Cheers

I haven't had any recent sightings of Barn owls Over Wyre - I don't tend to be there at the right times of the day. But like you, the ones I've seen previously have been whilst driving in Out Rawcliffe, I've seen a couple around the Lancaster Road area but that was back in early Spring. Good luck to you.:t:

Nick - well done again getting the Great grey shrike, what a fine looking bird.

Regards

Cliff

[ivywall]

Hello Lancashire birders!

I'm a new poster from the Croston area. OH and I visit Martin Mere but go to Mere Sands Wood more often . Marshide ( saw the Glossy Ibis there last Saturday) is quite a regular, Longton Brickcroft, Croston Clay pits (with permission) Leighton Moss plus this year we've been out and about in the Trough of Bowland , Whitbarrow Scar and Warton Crag to name a few.

OH is keen on macro photography of insects as well as other wildlife. I enjoy landscape photography.

OH has just started a degree in Wildlife Photography at Blackpool so we have had quite a life change from having our own business in Art/Sign Writing. The hobby became a real passion.

I'm glad I found this little corner of the forum as the rest is a little daunting at first!!

Ivy xx

[WyreWader]

Hello Lancashire birders!

Hello Ivy & welcome aboard. |=)| I'm guessing OH stands for other half? I wish him the very best of luck in his new venture. :t: I'd love to see some of his shots, does he have a website?

Things move pretty slowly around here so it's good to have someone else from the area to contribute to the sightings. I note you visit Longton Brickcroft, I keep seeing the signs for it, but drive on by when going to Mere Sands Wood or Martin Mere. What do you tend to see at Longton?

Moving onto todays sightings. Despite the awful weather I decided on a trip to Leighton Moss, soon after arriving it started to hailstone. Undaunted I headed for Lower hide hoping to see a Bittern. After just a few minutes in the hide a young lady there spotted an Otter which she pointed out to me. It was tad too far away to photograph, but I grabbed some record shots. This was my first ever sighting of an Otter in the wild, so it really made my day. I've attached a couple of shots below, along with a shot of a Robin which was the only decent photo I got all day. Notable sightings - there were two male Goosanders in front of Lower hide & the Great White Egret was outside Lillians hide.

[nick patel]

Nice pics Cliff! Must have been good to see that Otter!

Today I found a Jack snipe i will never forget!

More pics on my Blog.

[WyreWader]

Excellent photo Nick & what a great sighting. I've just checked out your blog too, this bird really liked hanging around to pose for you.:clap:

[ivywall]

Well Cliff and Nick! Aren't you lucky. We've never seen an otter in the wild (I believe there is one in Rufford too) or a Jack Snipe!

We've never seen anything of note at Longton but the robins there are very numerous and extremely friendly! Have you both seen the Glossy Ibis at Marshside yet - or is he a bit old hat now?? LOL

One of the disadvantages of studying WLP is that you can't get out and about as much! Like today- even I have been helping with an assignment for next week - which has nowt to do with wildlife!!! Still you can't make an omelette etc etc!

I am supposed to be building a web site for OH (other half) but haven't got stuck in yet. I've put a few of mine and his in the gallery but I've had to resize etc. I'm only just getting used to this forum.

I've enjoyed looking at your images though. The standard on this forum is wonderfully high and very diverse.

Ivy

[gossypots]

Does anyone know if the great grey shrike is still showing in the trough of bowland ? cheers

[Zac Hinchcliffe]

It is showing today at the same place according to Bill Aspin and Pagers...

I have seen the marshside glossy but not for a while. I have seen it at most of its locations - Brockholes, Fluke Hall, Marshside, Warton Bank, Ballam and I am sure i saw it fly over Broughton in the really harsh gales back in Jan, but never clinced it...

btw, hello all, I have only just found this thread, its a good read!

[ivywall]

Zac said-

btw, hello all, I have only just found this thread, its a good read!

Me too Zac! It looks like a good one for us locals!

Ivy

[WyreWader]

We've never seen anything of note at Longton but the robins there are very numerous and extremely friendly! Have you both seen the Glossy Ibis at Marshside yet - or is he a bit old hat now?? LOL
Ivy

Hi Ivy

Thanks for the feedback re. Longton, I guess I'll keep on driving by then.

Re the Glossy Ibis, I've used to quite often stop off for a look at it (& grab a few shots when in range) when it was hanging around Fluke Hall Lane nr. Pilling, last year. The stubble fields there now have a lot of surface water on them, as they did when it frequented them last year, so I keep hoping it stops off there again. I've also seen/photo'd it at Newton Marsh, but I think the last time I saw it there was back in June.

It's certainly a beautiful bird. I've attached a couple of shots from a sunny day last November. Oh for some sunshine at the moment.|8)|

Cheers

Cliff

*A quick edit, Welcome Zac. :t:

[nick patel]

Had a nice Water rail next to the Sandgrounders hide this morning at Marshside.

More on my Blog.

P.S. I've seen the Ibis at Fluke hall, Lytham and Warton, but Fluke hall gave me the nicest views as i saw it with lots of Whoopers!

Brilliant pics Cliff!

[Floyd Barnes]

Cliff.
I have seen, lots of pictures of "the" Ibis ,on the net. but i reckon these two are the best! Love the shot of the bird feeding - superb .Well done.
Floyd Barnes

[WyreWader]

Nick, nice one getting the Water rail, great shots of it on your blog too. I've not had so much as a glimpse of a water rail for months. Re. the Ibis/Whooper shot - I got one similar at Fluke Hall last year too.

Floyd - thank you for your nice words kind sir! |:$|

Sightings from an hour or two yesterday at Marton Mere included large No's of Teal (I don't tend to count 'em unless there's less than 10) & plenty of Shoveler, 2 x female Goldeneye, several Cormorant, 2 x Gadwall, 3 Grey Heron and 1 x Kestrel. I've attached a few shots, all quite heavily cropped - although you could say the gull is heavily cr*pped).

Regards

Cliff

[Andy Rouse]

Hi everyone, I need some help / advice re Sunderland Point and the knot roosts, anyone local on here who can help a poor struggling wildlife photographer with his project? Looks like a great place, just always could use some local knowledge on how the population is and which end to try. Any help greatly appreciated!

[WyreWader]

Hi everyone, I need some help / advice re Sunderland Point and the knot roosts, anyone local on here who can help a poor struggling wildlife photographer with his project? Looks like a great place, just always could use some local knowledge on how the population is and which end to try. Any help greatly appreciated!

A poor struggling wildlife photographer - well what does that make the rest of us? ;)

Morning Andy

Sunderland Point is one of my favourite locations for photographing waders, but my visits are usually restricted to grabbing an hours lunchbreak whilst working in the area. For me the best method there has been by parking up & using the car as a hide & letting the incoming tide push the waders to me. I think if you set up in a proper hide there you'll get some really terrific wader shots - BUT - beware high tides as they cover the road (as I once nearly found out to my cost).

Here's a link to a website dedicated to Sunderland Point which you may find useful.

http://www.birdtours.co.uk/sunderland/

My last visit there was a brief drive by on 29/11. I got some distant shots of the roosting Knot, so distant that I didn't bother processing them, but have just done so & attached a couple to this post. They were taken from the southern end of the point, looking back to the north(if I've got my bearings right).

It's also a good place for photographing Curlew, Redshank, Ringed plover, Lapwing & Turnstone.

BTW - for roosting Knot it's hard to beat the helipad roost at Port of Heysham, although the backdrop of grass & stone walls isn't maybe as aesthetically pleasing.

I hope this is of some help.

Cheers

Cliff

[Andy Rouse]

Great Cliff thanks for that, I am planning a trip up between XMAS and NY so will take a look as the tides seem ok. That road seems a bit daunting!!

[WyreWader]

I had an enjoyable day out yesterday, getting both good sightings & a few decent photos too.

A walk around Stanley Park produced of note sightings of 1 x Goldcrest, 1 x Treecreeper and 3 x GS Woodpeckers.

I then moved onto Marton Mere where I got my best photos of a Fieldfare to date, plus a photo of a Pochard that seemed to think it was a Goldeneye, (there was a female Goldeneye on the lake too) there were lots of Teal & Shoveler, at least 2 & possibly 3 GS Woodpeckers, 3 x Whooper Swans and possibly a Green-winged Teal? I've attached a few photo's, can anyone advise re. the Teal??

Thanks

Cliff

[Stephen Dunstan]

Cliff,

From this image I am not sure why you think it is a Green-winged Teal.

Regards,

Stephen.

[WyreWader]

Cliff,

From this image I am not sure why you think it is a Green-winged Teal.

Regards,

Stephen.

Thanks for the reply Steve - I'm pretty hopeless at id'ing stuff like this. I photo'd a lot of Teal at Marton Mere yesterday & this seemed to be the only one with that prominant green stripe on it's flank. Per my Collins guide this doesn't seem to feature in the diagrams of an adult male, but there's no Green-winged teal in my Collins guide, which surprised me. Am I way off mark thinking it could be a GW Teal?

[Jaff]

Things move pretty slowly around here so it's good to have someone else from the area to contribute to the sightings.

I think there's rather a lot here in the Northwest but sorry for not doing my part but I never seem to see anything of real interest (I do have a read through the thread from time to time).

I'll make amends by starting with yday. Did some driving around the local farmland with dad and brother, a Peregrine made a good start (got really close to it but initially it was dismissed as a Crow because with the light it just looked black, until it flew off of course). As we followed it with the bins it led us to a Sprawk, which was helpful of it. Saw a Redshank on an irrigation resevoir but it was time to leave then as we saw the 'you know who's' pulling up not so far away with their shotguns to have their fun.

Anyway we then had a drive down a farmland track next to Martin Mere and saw some Fieldfare, a Buzzard, Marsh Harrier and had some great views of the Whoopers flying over the car.

That's all I've got for now. :t:
Jaff

[Colin Bushell]

Thanks for the reply Steve - I'm pretty hopeless at id'ing stuff like this. I photo'd a lot of Teal at Marton Mere yesterday & this seemed to be the only one with that prominant green stripe on it's flank. Per my Collins guide this doesn't seem to feature in the diagrams of an adult male, but there's no Green-winged teal in my Collins guide, which surprised me. Am I way off mark thinking it could be a GW Teal?

Hi Cliff,

I dare say you have the same "Collins Bird Guide" that I have. If so the Green-winged Teal is depicted on pg 53 as carolinensis. The drake has a vertical (rather than horizontal) white stripe on the flanks. Admittedly some birds (like the one in your picture) show none at all - presumaby this is when the stripe is covered by scapulars or when the wing is not folded completely. Martin Mere or Marshside seem to be the best places in our area to see this visitor from N America nowadays. Just try picking one out!
Hope that helps.
Colin

[WyreWader]

Hi Cliff,

I dare say you have the same "Collins Bird Guide" that I have. If so the Green-winged Teal is depicted on pg 53 as carolinensis. The drake has a vertical (rather than horizontal) white stripe on the flanks. Admittedly some birds (like the one in your picture) show none at all - presumaby this is when the stripe is covered by scapulars or when the wing is not folded completely. Martin Mere or Marshside seem to be the best places in our area to see this visitor from N America nowadays. Just try picking one out!
Hope that helps.
Colin

Thanks for that Colin & yep it definitely helps - I know what to look out for now. |:d|

Cheers

Cliff

[Colin Bushell]

4 Bewick's Swans with 14 Whoopers yesterday at Cockerham Moss. I checked the Pink-feet for Bean Geese before they lew off into fields behind hedges, but no luck.
Colin

[WyreWader]

Sightings from yesterday include:-

2 Little Egret @ Sunderland Point, along with lots of Curlew, Redshank, Dunlin and Wigeon.
A brief visit to the causeway at Leighton Moss produced my best sighting to date of a Kingfisher &, just when I thought it couldn't get any better, when the Kingfisher flew off a Bittern came out of the reeds & posed for a few minutes. There was also a Goldcrest looking on at all the excitement.

Today I stopped off at Newton Marsh where there were large numbers of Wigeon & Teal along with a sprinkling of Shovelers skidding around on the ice.

[saluki]

Sightings from yesterday include:-

2 Little Egret @ Sunderland Point, along with lots of Curlew, Redshank, Dunlin and Wigeon.

Hi,
I was at Sunderland Point on Sunday afternoon. High tide was spoiled by a coach load of birders from Warwickshire (I think!) who walked back up the causeway from the car park, flushing everything within 100yds of the road. It's difficult when people are unfamiliar with an area, but it was a bit of a daft thing to do!

Highlights were a spotted redshank in one of the creeks and, more unusual for me, a seal pup on the bank of another creek.

A leucistic redshank turned up at Sunderland around Christmas last year - I saw it several times until early spring. No sign of it returning so far this year - I'll see if I can dig out a pic.

Jonathan

[nick patel]

A leucistic redshank turned up at Sunderland around Christmas last year - I saw it several times until early spring. No sign of it returning so far this year - I'll see if I can dig out a pic.

I saw a fully albino Redshank at Walney island last year, it really stuck out of the rest of the Redshank flock.

Cheers.

[WyreWader]

Highlights were a spotted redshank in one of the creeks and, more unusual for me, a seal pup on the bank of another creek.

Wow, the seal is superb Jonathan! What a great sighting!!!:t:

[nick patel]

Had a nice Fem Brambling, Adult Winter Med gull and much more today at Lytham St. Annes. I was so surprised to find a Brambling perched on a little shrub in the dunes of Lytham!

More on my Blog!

P.S. I am so jealous of your Bittern shots Cliff, nice one :t:

[Zac Hinchcliffe]

http://www.birdguides.com/pictures/default.asp?v=1&f=122156&r=0&st=0&q=

on the subject of past Glossy Ibis pic... here mine at Fluke Hall

If you have a chance, try and go for the Glaucous Gull at Fishmoor, its a fabulous 1st winter and a really rewarding bird, if you get lucky.

i hope to get to Haighton House Woods tomorrow to do a bit of tetrading

[Zac Hinchcliffe]

Well done Nick with the Med. Gorgeous bird, that adult! I am really happy they are making a large increase in lancs, because you can never see too many meds!

[nick patel]

By the way, this is two weekends in a row which i have seen both Brambling and Med gull in the same day and both in Lancashire, which have both always been scarce to me in this part of the Country. Just thought i'd share.

[Jaff]

Had a nice day at Mere Sands yday. First off, all the lakes were frozen except for some 'pockets' that were located convienently in front of hides. Got some good views of Gadwall in front of Cyril Gibbons hide and there was maybe 200 Teal in front of Ainscough Hide, all standing on the ice. They soon scooted onto the water when the Sparrowhawk made a fly-by though.

All the woodland birds were active and gave close views, especially the LT Tits, must have seen dozens of them throughout the day. Managed to get within 5m of a Treecreeper too but as my camera is on the market I don't want to add more clicks and wasn't allowed to borrow the 30D, no pics I'm afraid. Accidentally scared up at least two Woodcocks and a third may have been a Woodcock or a Snipe as it was at the waters edge but never got a good enough view for positive ID (they fly off very quickly). A later encounter with the Sparrowhawk had it chasing a Blue Tit frantically just a few metres above my head. When the light was virtually gone I went to check for Barn Owls but no luck, although while I was at the woodland edge 2 Buzzards flew over my head at tree height.

Well there we go, don't think I've forgotten anything. :t:
Jaff

[nick patel]

Nice Mink and Fox views today at Brockholes quarry.

Some Videos are on my Blog.

[One Man and His Dog]

could anyone tell me where the glossy ibis can be found now please!

[nick patel]

could anyone tell me where the glossy ibis can be found now please!

Warton marsh in the Fylde.

[Colin Bushell]

Best to look [for the Ibis] from the end of Bank Lane overlooking the marsh. See the Fylde Bird Club's website - go to sightings for today (23rd) and check the multimap link for Warton Marsh. You'll probably have to wait a while scanning but good chance of Little Egret and maybe Hen Harrier too.
Good luck!
Colin

[ivywall]

Hiya mates!

Wyre - Very good news about the preservation of the Wyre and the defeat of the Cantxx (?) take over. Brilliant that you could tell me about it and more so that it actually happened!!

Jaff - Any news on the Cattle Egret at Mere Sands or was it just a rumour?
I'm sure that man knew what he was talking about..

I notice it was very pleasant to have a visit by Andy Rouse. We are honoured indeed!! Hiya Andy !!!

It's got to be good when we can all help each other !!

Pat XX
Sorry if I've not remembered all your names!!

I think your photos are great- it's an ongoing record of what we see. X

[WyreWader]

Jaff - Any news on the Cattle Egret at Mere Sands or was it just a rumour?

Now that would be nice, what a great looking bird they are - come on jaff, if you know of it please do tell.

Nick - great shots of the Mink & Fox - nice one! :t:

May I take this opportunity to wish a very Merry Christmas to any Lancs birders looking in - I hope you all get what you're wishing for. B (:8-P3:-)

[Jaff]

Sorry I haven't spoken to any staff at Mere Sands or been to Martin Mere lately to see if they know. After Pat told be about it though on the I looked at the Rarebird Map on the 15th and sure enough it said Cattle Egret but the orange square was located at Martin Mere and not the woods. I don't think it hung round long, not like that one a few years back that never seemed to leave.

A Merry Christmas from me to all you Lancs birders too! B (:
Adam

[Johnny1]

I think the Cattle Egret you are referring to was the one at Martin Mere which appeared outside the InFocus shop very late in the afternoon. There was no sign of it the following morning. I think Andy out of the shop managed to get a photo of it and posted it on the Martin Mere website.
P.S. Merry Christmas!

[ivywall]

Well - regardless of the possible Cattle Egret I would like to wish all us local Lankies a -

Very Merry Crimbo!!!

All the Very Very Best -

Pat XXX

[ivywall]

PS - I P-Emmed Jaff about a sighting of a Cattle Egret at Mere Sands Wood last week or the week before..

It was late and we didn't see it but the guy who tried to report it seemed convinced and a bit of an expert as far as spotting was concerned .
It was late afternnon - going dark and he couldn't log it as there were no staff present. Therefore there was no confirmed sighting. Not a lot could be done as far as logging was concerned. No point in raising an alert if it were'nt officially confirmed ?

By the Way - I've enjoyed viewing your pictures. The seal ones were brill - not necessarily picture perfect but a real and absolute joy as regards that uplifting feeling that being that close to and feeling the presence of a wild creature gives you.

Enjoy the New Year too.!!

Pat XX

[One Man and His Dog]

thanx for info on ibis, merry xmas and all the best for the new year!

[Colin Bushell]

Nice ringtail Hen Harrier at Martin Mere this afternoon from Ron Barker Hide. Otherwise usual stuff around (Whoopers, Pinks, Ruff, Stonechats, etc) with great views of Kingfisher from Ron Barker. Marsh Harrier, Merlin and Water Rail also reported.

Cheers,
Colin

[Zac Hinchcliffe]

Hi All
I went to Lytham Moss this morning. Nice to see some Bewicks in amongst the Whoopers. Amazingly this is a year tick for me! I didn't get to MMWWT in the 1stw period. 221 now, and still going!

Cattle Egret would be nice if it turned up! (I need a rarity or something to get me up to 225, because I have 3 quite easy ones I can get over the next couple of days...)

[Floyd Barnes]

Purp Sand.?
Little Gull?
Water Pipit?

[Colin Bushell]

Hi,

Glossy Ibis still on view from Warton Bank this afternoon.

Happy New Year.

Colin

[ivywall]

I hope everyone had a good Christmas and New year!

We're hoping to see the red kites in Wales over the weekend but apart from that we've been confined to garden watching!

We have an increasing number of Reed Buntings visiting every day now - they are wonderful to watch. As are the plentiful Gold Finches.

Among our many Blackbirds is a young female who was born last spring and lost a leg after she had fledged from the cotoneaster on the shed. She started to nest build there herself late summer but nothing came of it.

We've called her 'Heather' and I reckon she's holding out for an older and more influential Male this spring..........;) Will he be singing in the dead of night I wonder...3:-)

[Jaff]

It seems a coulpe of Cattle Egrets have turned up Cheshire way, one of 'em is next to the Dee Estuary, not too far if someone really wants to see it.

[Jaff]

Had about an hour or so at Mere Sands Woods yday. Good numbers of Goosander there, maybe a dozen or so and the Nuthatches were visiting the birdtables around the visitor centre. Other than that all the usual fare.

Cheers.
Jaff

[HokkaidoStu]

Just booked my flight back to the UK today..............am absolutely dying to get back up my old local patch (the Ribble between Penwortham and Longton). My first visit back to the centre of the universe (Lancashire) for over 3 years. March 27-April 10...........wonder what I'll see? Can't wait.

This thread and Colin's Ribble thread has got my pulse running..................well that or the slight cold I have at the moment.

[gossypots]

Jaff, never been to mere sands wood , what are the usual species I should be looking out for ? Is there a good number of waders there ?

[Colin Bushell]

Just booked my flight back to the UK today..............am absolutely dying to get back up my old local patch (the Ribble between Penwortham and Longton). My first visit back to the centre of the universe (Lancashire) for over 3 years. March 27-April 10...........wonder what I'll see? Can't wait.

This thread and Colin's Ribble thread has got my pulse running..................well that or the slight cold I have at the moment.

Could be good Stu - especially if your trip coincides with one of the big 10m tides. Ribble's good for Hen Harriers at the moment and Shorties and Water Pipits would be a good bet when you come.

Good birding in '08.

PS. Forgot about the ibis!

Colin

[Jaff]

Stu if you're popping down my way give us a shout and I'll gladly be some company and if there are any birds you'd specifically like to see, ask someone else! ;)

As far as the woods go there are some links below with info but these are hopelessly out of date

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=15473
http://www.birdforum.net/opus/Mere_Sands_Wood

No waders there now but some do occur on passage but the better site for that is Martin Mere or Marshside. At present the usual fare includes GS Woodies, Nuthatches, Tree Sparrows, Reed Buntings, Jays, Jackdaws and the usual wildfowl and small birds. Specialities are Kingfisher, Water Rail (viewed from Lancaster Hide) plus the chance of bumping into the resident Tawny Owls or Sparrowhawks and Barn Owls over the fields surrounding the woods come dusk. May get Woodcock at dusk too, they are there. I think the Bittern's left.

I've probably left stuff out but that's a summary, ask at the visitor centre to find out whats been around lately.
Jaff

[HokkaidoStu]

Stu if you're popping down my way give us a shout and I'll gladly be some company and if there are any birds you'd specifically like to see, ask someone else! ;)

Jaff

Thanks for that Jaff.............

[ivywall]

Well - we never got to see the red kites in Wales but I was treated to a wonderful dose of flu instead...

This weekend was spent at Leighton Moss. We saw the male black cap yesterday - and today we were pleasantly surprised to see him only a few yards away in the tree by the feeding area. He was so quick OH never got a shot off. Typical!
Later on about 7 of us all agreed there were definately 2 males and one female of the species in the upper branches of the same tree.

OH got some shots of a few birds - I'll put them on later.

In the garden - besides the regular reed buntings and goldfinches we now have a pair of bullfinches visiting. One of my favourite birds!

Pat X

[Colin Bushell]

Went to Barrow Lodge by the side of the A59 near Clitheroe this morning to photograph the Slav' Grebe there. It showed very well indeed with Kingfisher as a nice bonus.

[Floyd Barnes]

Nice day at, Martin Mere today .Even the weather was decent for a change.
Hen Harrier ,2 Peregrine, Merlin , and a Sparrowhawk all showing well . With
Barn , Little and Tawny Owl as well Couple of White-Fronted Geese in with the Pinkfeet.
Floyd

[ivywall]

We'll watch out for those when we visit this week Floyd! The new hide is magnificent isn't it?
Went to Longton Brickcroft yesterday (Sunday) in the pouring rain and it was great to see a few cormorants flying about.

Pat

[gossypots]

Have heard that the Bewick swans are showing at Lytham Moss,could someone please give me directions on how to find this place,as cant seem to find it on the map.

[nick patel]

Just east of Blackpool airport. Leave Lytham st. Annes heading northwards and it is an area of Farmland with a few Roads going through it. Last year when i went the Bewick's were quite shy of people, so if you park your Car and get out try not to be too obvious. Cheers.

[gossypots]

Thanks nick, have you seen the slav grebe at barrow lodge ?

[nick patel]

Thanks nick, have you seen the slav grebe at barrow lodge ?

No i haven't seen it - you?

I've seen Slavs on the Sea before, but not on Inland waters. I've seen them at Bamburgh and Flamborough head. Apparently the Barrow lodge Bird shows well.

[gossypots]

No i have'nt nick ,was thinking of going tomorrow , but this weathers dreadful .

[ivywall]

It's a bit cr..p isn't it?

Our village is a 1/4 under water at the moment!!! The horses and sheep are gazing on the water birds for tekking their field!!!

[Johnny1]

I went out yesterday to do my usual circular walk around a stretch of the River Yarrow but only got half way before the floods stopped me. see attached pic.

[desgreene]

There's an interesting report on sightings this week 20 years ago on the WWT Martin Mere page :- http://www.wwt.org.uk/article/192/1085/this_week_20_years_ago.html

Look at the numbers of Bewick's and Golden Plover compared to today!

Des.

[Johnny1]

There's an interesting report on sightings this week 20 years ago on the WWT Martin Mere page :- http://www.wwt.org.uk/article/192/1085/this_week_20_years_ago.html

Look at the numbers of Bewick's and Golden Plover compared to today!

Des.
I can remember about 10 years ago when Little Ringed Plovers bred there and were a common sight now you're lucky if you get to see one passing through. The small islands in front of the Ron Barker hide where they bred are now so overgrown the islands have disappeared. I would call that a loss of habitat! Sometimes I wonder about Martin Mere's priorities!

[nick patel]

I can remember about 10 years ago when Little Ringed Plovers bred there and were a common sight now you're lucky if you get to see one passing through. The small islands in front of the Ron Barker hide where they bred are now so overgrown the islands have disappeared. I would call that a loss of habitat! Sometimes I wonder about Martin Mere's priorities!

Lucky for me, i know where LRP's are still doing well in Lancs - Can't wait till Summer :t:

[Zac Hinchcliffe]

Indeed you do Nick!
As do I...but another site

[ivywall]

I went out yesterday to do my usual circular walk around a stretch of the River Yarrow but only got half way before the floods stopped me. see attached pic.

That looks exactly how it was Johnny! Church Street suffered some!

[ivywall]

Is anyone interested in seeing some shots of the Riverdance ferry aground? They show the sheer force of the waves and there may be a couple of birds flying about...... they weren't too keen though. Incredibly windy/haily/rainy/icy.

[Sandra (Taylor)]

Any directions to the waxwings in Burnley please. Bird Guides map not very good. Will be coming from Tod.

Sandra

[Johnny1]

That looks exactly how it was Johnny! Church Street suffered some!

Although I didn't go into Croston village myself it did show some of the flooded houses etc. on the early evening BBC local news. When I went to the same place 2 days later the River levels were back to normal.

[ivywall]

Hi Johnny,

The floods weren't that bad in Croston - well not as far as my end was!

Up the coast has been very bad. The gulls were struggling to survive off our west coast as was the 'Riverdance' Ferry.

I should think a lot of wildlife has had a hard time of it recently.
When I saw the ferry grounded the wind was unbelievable. I had a free facial dermabration by the sand and I struggled to breathe and even walk.

Still there were the gulls and other birds struggling for survival. My heart felt for them.

From what I've heard they may now be getting obese from the thousands of McVities chocolate biscuits spilling onto the beach....

Well at least the poor buggas have had some respite....

[Johnny1]

Hi Ivy, I find it incredible how birds and animals survive in such atrocious weather, we were at New Brighton last week for the High Tide (we'd previously been to see the Cattle Egret at Burton Marsh) the waves were crashing over the sea wall but the gulls and waders were just flying through it as though it was a calm summers day.

[Ian Latham]

There is a Ross's Goose down at Preesall (Over Wyre) in the back fields. It has been there since Friday so may hang aroung for a while. Plenty of twitchers around, but wrap up, its like Siberia out there (Brrrrrrrrrrr).:t:

[nick patel]

There is a Ross's Goose down at Preesall (Over Wyre) in the back fields. It has been there since Friday so may hang aroung for a while. Plenty of twitchers around, but wrap up, its like Siberia out there (Brrrrrrrrrrr).:t:

Very jealous of this one - was in the area on Saturday morning when it first got reported. So just missed it. I hope it stays.

[ivywall]

There is a Ross's Goose down at Preesall (Over Wyre) in the back fields. :

Nice to see a photo too! It will probably have gone when OH isn't at college. :t:

[Ian Latham]

Spotted an Iceland Gull at Knott End today. No pics, but Chris Batty (Fylde Bird Club) was down there taking shots, so maybe he got some? No sign of the Ross's Goose today but a birder told me it had been seen in the area. I hope it re-appears so I can get some better shots than the last ones (sorry about the quality but it was to chilly to hang around that day, and I've got a rotton, sniffley cold for my efforts!).

[Colin Bushell]

Went for the Iceland Gull this morning but no sign at Knott End or Cocker's Dyke. Managed to relocate it on the Wyre Estuary lunchtime but sure wish I'd seen it yesterday so close!
Hooded Crow, Little Egret(s) and Twite (2 flocks 40 + 20) seen as well. Nice morning out.

[Ian Latham]

Its back!!

I managed to get a slightly better shot this time but it is still quite far away and loves to play hide and seek amongst the Pink Foots. :t:

[Zac Hinchcliffe]

Great Bird!
Im contomplating whether or not I should get it. Yes its a great Lancashire and indeed British Bird but are we aloud to count Ross's?

Still though, its like the Ribble Pelican, even if its not a fully wild bird, its still a fabulous Bird!

Zac

[Ian Latham]

There was plenty of twitchers down there today. Lots of scopes but did'nt see any cameras. It tends to stay well out of the way of the pulic eye and is happiest deep within the Pink Foot flock. I imagine a lot of birders will be cleaning their boots tonight!!

[ivywall]

Hi all!

Well - we haven't managed to get any point scoring sightings but the past week has been a good opportunity to get out and about appreciating the joys of nature.

We've been to - Bwlch Nant yr Arian / Leighton Moss/ Marshside/ Mere Sands Wood and fair soaked up the sights and got a few excellent shots too.

Isn't life wonderful!!! When you take the time to look and watch.

PatX

[Ian Latham]

The Hooded crow was at Knott End again today. It can be seen from the Esplanade, but was quite far out.

[nick patel]

There are 5+ Water pipits showing very well at the end of Bank lane at Warton bank, if anyone is interested in seeing them. I saw them yesterday, and couldn't have got better views. Quite a good trip in all, got the Water pipits, Glossy ibis, Hen harrier, Merlin, 14 Bewick's and much more!

There are some (by this i mean a lot) pictures of these on my Blog below.

Cheers.

P.S. beware there are also a lot of Mipits and the odd Rock pipit lurking around with them as well.

[Ian Latham]

Nice one Nick:t:

I could'nt find the time today, but I will take a butchers asap. I would love some decent pics of them. I only have a Meadow Pipit in my collection and that is barely a keeper:-C. Perhaps now I've got a longer lens I may be able to get the little fellows? |=)|

[Ian Latham]

Nick, I don't know if you ever got to see your ''Twite''! If you did, well great, but if you still have not found any.....there is a small flock of around thirty of them on the Lune Estuary between Conder Green and Lancaster.

[nick patel]

Nick, I don't know if you ever got to see your ''Twite''! If you did, well great, but if you still have not found any.....there is a small flock of around thirty of them on the Lune Estuary between Conder Green and Lancaster.

I did manage to see Twite (twice) at Cant clough reservoir, but still haven't managed to see any coastal Twites, even the Fylde ones which i have tried for quite a few times.

[Ian Latham]

They are still there Nick, usually around the first showing of the woods on the coastal path, opposite or near the farmhouse overlooking the estuary. They are often joined by Goldfinch and Reed Buntings.:t:

[Jaff]

Great pic Ian! Those two in the middle looking at each other made me laugh. Not been out anywhere lately (I guess I'm still recovering from missing out on the Night Heron in my own preverbial back yard!)

[Ian Latham]

Great pic Ian! Those two in the middle looking at each other made me laugh. Not been out anywhere lately (I guess I'm still recovering from missing out on the Night Heron in my own preverbial back yard!)

Herons!!, Shmerons!!..........you got to photograph that beautiful Owl, and did a fine job to boot, I must say! (I was positively GREEN with envy!):t:

I do hope we can get another chance to photograph the Eagle Owl at Dunsop this year, I bought my new gear with that event in mind. :t:

I dont have much luck with the Owls, perhaps they smell my cats on me or something? There are loads of them hooting away at night (Tawneys, Barn and Little) around my area but as soon as I put a foot outside the door.........:-C

[nick patel]

Nothing Birdwise, but in my Garden pond today (other than the swarming Frog numbers) i saw one of our Male Common Newts, fresh from Hibernation. I think Spring is on it's way now for sure.

[Floyd Barnes]

Today at a windy Beacon Fell, very few birds about. but did manage 7 Crossbills(target bird) 2 Ravens, a few Siskin and about 8 Coal Tits. 4 Species 2 year ticks!
Floyd

[nick patel]

Chough showing nicely at Warton crag yesterday for at least 15 mins before going into it's roost. Well worth the 3/4 hour wait for it to come to roost.

More Pictures on my Blog.

[ivywall]

We managed to see the Night Heron today at Mere Sands Wood - roosting in the trees (asleep with his head down on his breast most of the time) opposite the Cyril Gibbons hide. It was too far away for a good shot even with a 400mm and 1.4 converter but good to see.
;)

[Johnny1]

We managed to see the Night Heron today at Mere Sands Wood - roosting in the trees (asleep with his head down on his breast most of the time) opposite the Cyril Gibbons hide. It was too far away for a good shot even with a 400mm and 1.4 converter but good to see.
;)

We went to see the Heron yesterday. If you would have taken the footpath further along from the Cyril Gibbons hide it would have taken you around the back of the Heron to within 10 yards of it! They're were plenty of photographers at that spot yesterday getting some good close-ups.

[ivywall]

Drat!!!! :C We were in a real rush trying to top up stocks in between college work!! Did you get any good ones?
And thanks for the info - we'll bear it in mind for another time :t: ;)

Patx

[Johnny1]

Drat!!!! :C We were in a real rush trying to top up stocks in between college work!! Did you get any good ones?
And thanks for the info - we'll bear it in mind for another time :t: ;)

Patx

No I didn't take my camera, I've more or less given up on digi-scoping it interfered with my bird watching too much, I'd often be that involved with watching the birds I'd forget to take any pics so I decided to leave the camera at home and concentrate on the birding.

[ivywall]

No I didn't take my camera, I've more or less given up on digi-scoping it interfered with my bird watching too much, I'd often be that involved with watching the birds I'd forget to take any pics so I decided to leave the camera at home and concentrate on the birding.

I can totally understand that Johnny! I'm not too badly off - I just let his nibs carry on looking through the lens ;)

It's quite a good system in that I can alert him to anything coming in - as in 'Buntings at 3 o'clock. Fire!!' etc !!! It's the aerial bombings I don't like though.....

[Johnny1]

I can totally understand that Johnny! I'm not too badly off - I just let his nibs carry on looking through the lens ;)

It's quite a good system in that I can alert him to anything coming in - as in 'Buntings at 3 o'clock. Fire!!' etc !!! It's the aerial bombings I don't like though.....

LOL!

[Floyd Barnes]

Had a good day, at Mere Sands Wood today. A pair of Gargeney showing nicely, in front of the Lancaster Hide. Also Kingfisher, Water Rail, Tree Sparrow, Bullfinch GS Woodpeck
er and 25+ shoveler.
Anyone else been out.
Floyd

[gossypots]

Could someone please tell me where the feeding stations are on Bradshaw lane , Pilling .I had a drive down there this morning and could'nt find anything bar a few shelduck on a potatoe filed. Thanks

[nick patel]

Could someone please tell me where the feeding stations are on Bradshaw lane , Pilling .I had a drive down there this morning and could'nt find anything bar a few shelduck on a potatoe filed. Thanks

If you look at this map, the feeding station is on little slipway on the right hand side of the road (on this map) where the number 6 is.

This is the main one anyway, the other one doesn't seem to attract much these days, though food is put down, this is near the other end of Eagland hill, near some old, big Brussel sprouts, and this is just left of the 6 on the second map. I have however had 2 Grey partridge once come to feed on it.

On the main one (the first one), when i go i usually see (after waiting a few minutes - in car) Tree sparrows, Yellowhammers, Corn buntings, Stock doves, Woodpigeons, Collared doves, Moorhens, Red legged partridge, Chaffinch, Reed bunting, Pheasant, Robin, etc. Plus a Merlin or a Peregrine might fly by and try their luck with one :t:

Hope this helps.

[nick patel]

Yesterday i had 12 Brown hare at Eagland hill (including 11 in one field!). A new personal record for me.

[gossypots]

Nick , found the maps absolutley great. Thanks alot . By the way is the green sandpiper still present at Lightfoot Green.

[nick patel]

Nick , found the maps absolutley great. Thanks alot . By the way is the green sandpiper still present at Lightfoot Green.

Yeah, i saw two on Monday. If you do go could you tell me if you see any LRP's or Sand martins, as i haven't seen any yet this year, last year i got a Sand martin on the 12th March!

[gossypots]

Will probarbly go on Friday Nick , so will let you know then. Anyone know where the Black Redstart is showing around Cockers Dyke in Pilling . Thanx

[Steve Jones]

Yeah, i saw two on Monday. If you do go could you tell me if you see any LRP's or Sand martins, as i haven't seen any yet this year, last year i got a Sand martin on the 12th March!

Hi Nick,

I've not seen any Sand-Martins at Lightfoot Green yet either, although there's lots on the River Ribble now. My theory is that they need to feed up on arrival before heading to their nesting site (looked to be some good insect hatches happening on the river on Monday, and they must be hungry). Having said that, in the last 2 or 3 years my first dates have been 24/3 and 27/3 so they should be in situ by the weekend.
My most recent dates for LRP arrivals were 25/3 (last year), 2/4 and 11/4 so they should be here soon.

[nick patel]

Hi Nick,

I've not seen any Sand-Martins at Lightfoot Green yet either, although there's lots on the River Ribble now. My theory is that they need to feed up on arrival before heading to their nesting site (looked to be some good insect hatches happening on the river on Monday, and they must be hungry). Having said that, in the last 2 or 3 years my first dates have been 24/3 and 27/3 so they should be in situ by the weekend.
My most recent dates for LRP arrivals were 25/3 (last year), 2/4 and 11/4 so they should be here soon.

I saw my first LRP's last year on the 20/3 and it was a pair, and this surprised me, especially when i first passed them off for rocks, so i'm keen to find them again this year :t:

[gossypots]

Nick , went to Lightfoot green this morning , no Sand martin or LRP ,but think i disturbed 2 green sandpipers that took off back over the quarry . 4 partridge 3 herons 2 pairs of oystercatcher , lapwings and tufted duck but that was about all.

[ColonelBlimp]

Does anyone have any experience of birding around Wycoller, near Colne?

I've been cycling up for the past few days and it's a great place to see Lapwing displaying, especially up on the moor by the approach moor.

I also accidentally flushed a very odd bird by the pond in the centre of Wycoller-it had the appearance of a very tall Mistle Thrush crossed with a Curlew-still can't find a match.

[gossypots]

Snipe , perhaps colonel ?

[ColonelBlimp]

Could possibly be a snipe but I doubt it would be something that special at Wycoller-the rarest bird I've seen there previously is a siskin (I think).

[nick patel]

Snipes are common, well they are around here (near Broughton).

[nick patel]

Had a nice young Iceland gull at Barnaby sands on the Wyre on Saturday. A first for me.

Plus yesterday i got my first Sand martins of the year with two showing nicely at Lightfoot green. Also yesterday i found 3 singing Chiffchaffs (1 at LFG) which were also my firsts of the year.

More on my Blog.

[nick patel]

Today, got the "creme de la creme" of Birding in my very own Garden in Lancs.

I had one target when migration watching in the back of my garden this morning, and that soon came after only 15-30 minutes of waiting...OSPREY, it's only the second time i've seen one and this is my first self found. It drifted northeast, and it will be an unforgettable experience i will always remember! Sorry no pics.

This just shows - anything can pop up, for anyone!

[Floyd Barnes]

Nice One !

[ivywall]

Lucky you Nick!

[ivywall]

Garry got some nice shots of a pair of Garganey at Mere Sands Wood today.

Patx

[ivywall]

Has anyone heard whether there's a grasshopper warbler at Mere Sands Wood?

We're darn certain now we've listened to a recording that the unusual and very distinctive song we heard there was a GW. It was after 6 at night and he was singing very high in the trees. We caught a glimpse from a distance and it certainly looked like a warbler.

I hope someone can confirm this.

[Boom]

Hi, has anyone been to visit the Forest of Boland lately? we paid regular visits throughout the Winter and had some great sightings of Hen Harriers and a couple of good viewings of Goshawks. Even saw the Great Grey Shrike that was about by Waddington Fell and one crisp January morning saw four Ermine charging around Whitendale. Saw an adult Eagle Owl roosting by its nesting groung in December? has there been any more sightings of these birds lately? cheers.

[nick patel]

Hi, has anyone been to visit the Forest of Boland lately? we paid regular visits throughout the Winter and had some great sightings of Hen Harriers and a couple of good viewings of Goshawks. Even saw the Great Grey Shrike that was about by Waddington Fell and one crisp January morning saw four Ermine charging around Whitendale. Saw an adult Eagle Owl roosting by its nesting groung in December? has there been any more sightings of these birds lately? cheers.

Whereabouts did you see the Goshawk? i regularly go to Bowland and have never seen one.

Cheers.

[Boom]

If you walked to Whitendale farm from Dunsop Bridge there`s a lot of forestry predominantly on your left now since the amount of felling has increased on the right. We had views in early January behind the fish farm high above the tree line, and about a month later a male actually flew above our heads on the fell just passed the United Utilities building by the ford and descended into the thick forestry on the right-an area where they have been seen reasonably often lately apparently. No news on the Eagle Owls? cheers.

[Zac Hinchcliffe]

Dunsop Bridge is probably the best site in the north west for this raptor and indeed any of the desired raptors...maybe not some of the owls.
Whitendale is suppost to give the best views of G's and the areas where the conifers have been forested should certainly be given a scan as they are known to be perching here regularly.

Zac

(P.s. I've only ever seen one bird so far, and this was no where near Dunsop but near Clitheroe)

[ivywall]

The Night Heron has returned to Mere Sands Wood. Just seen him - a bit closer this time!

[shas]

Can confirm the night heron sighting at Mere Sands Wood today, it was clearly visable and low down near the water line this time, you still needed a long lens or digiscope to get a good photo image though (unfortunately)

[nick patel]

The Ross's gull is a goodun, if anyone's thinkin of it, i saw it on Sunday, and got such good views of it, and managed to get great pics of it - a great combo!

[Tao Wild]

Please could someone provide access details for Lightfoot Green & Myerscough Quarry?

Thanks in advance.

[nick patel]

Please could someone provide access details for Lightfoot Green & Myerscough Quarry?

Thanks in advance.

Hi,

For Lightfoot green i would recommend parking (if you go by car) at the layby just after the motorway bridge going north, just before the quarry entrance (where the road splits into two, and becomes a dead end) and use the footpaths that go around the quarry, seen on the Ordnance survey website (plus there is also an informal path down the side of a field to the west pits which usually hold the most!).

For myerscough quarry, i would say park (if by car again) at the corner (where it points on the myerscough map, and walk over the canal bridge and go from there.

I have attached two maps of where to park (for cars) for both places, LFG being first.

Hope this helps.

[gossypots]

Nick , was looking at your blog , some great pics mate. Was wondering were the "Mythop flood" is , were you saw the wood sandpipers ? thanks.

[nick patel]

Nick , was looking at your blog , some great pics mate. Was wondering were the "Mythop flood" is , were you saw the wood sandpipers ? thanks.

If you look at the map at this grid reference: SD359347). You see where the arrow is, well you park on the pavement-like verge there. From here it is fairly easy to view the pool from. Keep to the short track of pavement, as this is the only place you can view the pool. But none the less great views of some stunning Birds can be viewed from here.

I would advise a Telescope if you have one, if not it doesn't matter, but maybe if you wait long enough someone might bring their own, and they might lend you a view of something if you ask?

Hope this helps.

[Tao Wild]

Hi,

For Lightfoot green i would recommend parking (if you go by car) at the layby just after the motorway bridge going north, just before the quarry entrance (where the road splits into two, and becomes a dead end) and use the footpaths that go around the quarry, seen on the Ordnance survey website (plus there is also an informal path down the side of a field to the west pits which usually hold the most!).

For myerscough quarry, i would say park (if by car again) at the corner (where it points on the myerscough map, and walk over the canal bridge and go from there.

I have attached two maps of where to park (for cars) for both places, LFG being first.

Hope this helps.


Thanks for your help Nick. Can you access the Quarry over the gate past the bridge?

[nick patel]

Thanks for your help Nick. Can you access the Quarry over the gate past the bridge?

I wouldn't. I'd - from the layby, walk west along the M55 public footpath, until you get the most western end of the quarry (arrive at a field), and view from here. Don't quote me on this next bit.

On Sundays the quarry is closed, and you can walk into the pool areas on the western end, but watch your step!

[Tao Wild]

Thanks for your help again Nick.

Regarding Myerscough Quarry, is there public access to the site?

[nick patel]

Thanks for your help again Nick.

Regarding Myerscough Quarry, is there public access to the site?

I think it's mainly private land, but loads of people (not me ;)) just walk in the old quarried areas anyway.

[Tao Wild]

Thanks Nick.

I'm going to check the feeding station near Todderstaffe Hall, Singleton tonight.

I'll post my sightings tomorrow.

[gossypots]

Nick , I've been looking on the fylde birding website and notice they report birds from "Bartle pools" , would you or anyone on here know where they are.Also been to Rossall point a couple of times lately and seen nothing but a few turnstones,is there a best time to visit this coastal hotspot eg. high tide, low tide ? Any answers greatfully appreciated. Thanks

[nick patel]

I don't know much about Bartle pools (i always have trouble finding them).

But for Rossal, i'd say high tide is best for everything there - Seawatching, Waders on the pools. Usually good for passerines as well.

Sorry i can't help more.

[gossypots]

Thanks anyway .

[Stephen Dunstan]

Part of Bartle Pools are clearly visible in a field next to the M55. The site does take a bit of getting to though, either from Bartle or Swillbrook on public footpaths. I don't go there much any more, but did find a Spotshank there a few years ago which has been back every spring since.

Rossall Point is best early morning in spring, as movement of both seabirds and passerines is more pronounced than later in the day and grounded migrants haven't been disturbed by golfers / dog walkers.

Regards,

Stephen.

[gossypots]

Thanks stephen, I was thinking of going on sunday when High tide is about 11.00 am , do you think that would be of any good . cheers