Lancashire 2006

Trip Reports

East Lancashire Weekend 3rd - 5th March 2006 ■ Author: Margaret Gorely

Eleven members set off for Lancashire well prepared for the cold weather which had been forecast. We left without Phyl Dykes, who had meticulously organised the trip, because her twin grandsons chose to be born that very day. Congratulations Phyl! Traffic conditions and a heavy snow storm meant the journey took longer than planned and we were late for the high tide roost at Hest Bank. The sun had come out and the sight of the snow covered Lakeland Fells across the bay was magnificent. A large flock of Goldfinches was restless in the trees by the path, while on the shore were Redshanks, Oystercatchers, Wigeon, Lapwings, Curlews and Golden Plover. A walk along the seafront in Morecambe produced Knots, Cormorant, Goldeneye and Dunlin. By this time it was bitterly cold and the warm hotel and dinner were much appreciated.

Before breakfast next morning a check on the shore had added Eider, Red-breasted Merganser and Little Stint to the list. We then headed for Leighton Moss, the sun shining and the air still. We visited the hides with snow crunching underfoot and the ponds all frozen over. It was fairly quiet birdwise but we had good views of a Water Rail running along a ditch and some had a glimpse of a Bittern. Picking up our packed lunches from the bus we then set off on a longer walk and found a productive grove of trees with Siskins, Goldcrests, Long-tailed Tits, a Redpoll, Marsh Tit and Water Rail. Most of the party got a better view of a Bittern before we headed back for the bus. The next stop was the Eric Morecambe hide where we saw a large flock of Black Tailed Godwits, Greylag Geese, Pintails and Snipe. A helpful local birder directed us to a muddy field where we had excellent views of Water Pipits and were able to make comparisons with the Meadow Pipits which were also present. Warton Crag was recommended for Ravens, Peregrines and Little Owls but we only managed to see the Raven and identify its nest site as it flew in to feed its mate. A final look at Morecambe sea front gave us close views of a flock of Knots and in the distant channel were rafts of Eiders.

The whole party were on parade the next morning before breakfast in icy conditions and some were rewarded with the sighting of a Peregrine. I caught up on Turnstones which I discovered I could have seen from the warmth of my bedroom window! After repacking the bus we set off for the Ribble estuary where two hides at Marshside looked over meres teeming with birds. Avocets, Scaup, Pochard and a Barnacle Goose were new for the list. On Crossens salt marsh Skylarks sang overhead and a Stonechat and a Reed Bunting gave close views. More distant were two Merlins and a Kestrel. At Mere Sands reserve we picked up Goosander, Great Crested and Little Grebe while the woodlands produced Siskins, Tree Sparrows and a Treecreeper. Our final visit was to Martin Mere and the wonderful panorama of hundreds of Whooper Swans and other wild fowl. Among them were a group of Ruff with interesting variations of plumage which we were able to study at close range. As a finale two Barn Owls were watched quartering the marsh and a Marsh Harrier appeared. A few Pink-footed Geese flew over but not in the numbers we had hoped for.

A total of 93 species were seen on this most enjoyable trip. Many thanks to Robin for his instructive leadership and to Mike and Robin for driving.

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