A great week for raptor watchers with the Osprey still present (14th Sept at least). Hobbies are being seen daily around the reserve.
Hobby-fest
Hobbies in action, Osprey still present and a brief Red Kite
Close views of juvenile Hobby catching dragonfly outside our shop. picture by Bill Aspin
Common Buzzards have been more obvious probably including birds moving South with 5 birds seen together today (17th). At least two Kestrel and two Sparrowhawk. A Red Kite was seen from the Ribble View Point on Thursday.
Distant Red Kite from the Ribble View Point. Pic by Bill Aspin
We've been treated to some great views of Water Rail in front of the in focus shop in the Lookout. At least two birds are present and they always announce their presence before coming out.
Water Rail in front of the Lookout (excuse the wonky horizon...)
We had a Cetti's Warbler calling on Pit No.1 which wasn't present during the rest of the year, so possibly new in. Other passerines included Wheatear, Redstart and Whinchat, with the later being ringed on site.
Whinchat in the hand. Only 8 Whinchat have been ringed in Lancashire since 2010 - pic Hugh Jones
Other birds have included 300 Swallow and 100 Meadow Pipit south on the 16th. More House Martin with 60 on the 13th. At least 3 Kingfisher and 11 Little Egret.
Forty Teal came in from the North East, Wigeon, Shoveler, Gadwall and Tufted Duck all present as well as Great-crested Grebes.
Quiet on the wader front although a little mud is appearing on Meadow Lake. Around 400 Lapwing are in the area and at least 25 Snipe. A Curlew passed through and Common Sandpiper was new in yesterday. Fingers crossed for a Pec Sand!
