Meteorological spring starts on 1st March but as usual we could easily still be in the grip of winter right through that month. Early arrivals can include some Brockholes specialities. Last year Sand Martin arrived on the very early date of 27th February. Keep an eye out on the weather for any warm plumes of air coming from southern europe which tends to herald these birds.

Little Ringed Plover are another early visitor. Brockholes holds the record for the earliest arrival of this species in Lancashire with one on the 8th March 2010. Interestingly one was reported yesterday (24th) close by at Grimsargh Wetland, which if confirmed would be the new record. Like Sand Martin, Little Ringed Plover is among a number of summer visitors that have been getting progressively earlier.

Another early bird is Osprey. Brockholes earliest is on the 20th March 2009. A big thanks to Bill Aspin for providing these #factoids

Wildfowl numbers are dropping back a little, although the site can see a build up of Goldeneye in the next couple of weeks. Wigeon, Teal, Shoveler, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Mallard and a few Pochard are still present.

Daily sightings of Curlew with up to 90 birds on the reserve. Lapwing numbers are around 150. Forty five Oystercatcher dropped in on No.1 Pit on the 17th Feb, smaller numbers are around daily. At least 30 Snipe and occasional views of Jack Snipe on No.1 Pit island. A Green Sandpiper has been around.

Buzzards are display flying over Boilton Wood. As usual Kestrel are showing well, acclimatised to visitors. Male and female Sparrowhawk are around, most reliably at the Starling murmuration (< 8000) ~ 6pm.

Reed Bunting are becoming more active with males starting to sing around potential territories. Cetti's Warbler also bursting into song.

A group of 10 Skylark flew SE over the reserve perhaps as a result of upland snow on the 24th Feb.

Other sightings have included 2 Kingfisher, Raven, Goldcrest, Grey Wagtail and Nuthatch.

A Willow Tit was reported near the visitor centre (25th Feb)

Cracking adult Mediterranean Gull dropped in with Black-headed Gulls 25th Feb.

If you are visiting the reserve and would like to know what is around and where the best spots might be or have something to report, feel free to drop into the in focus shop, based in the Lookout and we can point you in the right direction.