An interesting week with new birds dropping in and a few summer visitors hanging on.
The Pink-footed Geese passage continued with 200+ birds moving out East on the way to Norfolk, also 80+ birds heading West undoubtably new in from Iceland heading out onto the Ribble Estuary.
On the 13th a group of 8 Whooper Swan flew in briefly, first of the Autumn here.
Six of the eight Whooper Swan in their brief visit to Pit no.1
It was quite a morning for wildfowl when shortly after two Red-breasted Merganser also dropped in. There had only been 4 previous records of this species in the last 20 years, with the last record being two birds for two days in August 2014.
Similar in appearance to Goosander these Red-breasted Merganser are mostly found on the coast. Unfortunately they didn't hang around and appeared to fly off up the Ribble.
Also new in on the 13th the first Goldeneye of the autumn a female / first year type. Other count included 65 Gadwall, 13 Wigeon, 9 Shoveler, 12 Tufted Duck, 2 Pochard, 20+ Teal.
Pit No'1 is a favoured spot for wintering Goldeneye
On Monday the 11th 2 Hobby became the latest ever sightings at Brockholes and possibly the latest in Lancashire. A 'kettle' of 13 Common Buzzard was also seen on the 11th.
More Skylark and Meadow Pipit movements in the week. Also some big movement of Jackdaw with over 300 birds noted. Four Raven flew North West on the 11th.
The first Redwing of the autumn flew west (30+) on the 13th, always worth standing outside in the evenings to catch this migrant thrush calling over your house, a classic and magical sign that winter is just round the corner.
Long-tailed Tit are flocking up, with over 27 birds seen in one flock, which also included Chiffchaff. Cetti's Warbler are vocal around the reserve particularly on Pit No.1.
Quiet on the wader front with Lapwing and Common Snipes present. Curlew noted flying through and a Green Sandpiper today in front of the Lookout.
Grey Wagtail making use of the newly scraped area in front of the Lookout
Other species recorded included Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Siskin, Great-spotted Woodpecker, Jay, Kingfisher, Little Egret, Grey Heron, Stock Dove, Great-crested Grebe and on the 8th Oct a Stonechat.
Stonechat autumn passage and occasional over wintering on the reserve
Just a quick note to say that we also have the new Lancashire 2020 Bird Report available from the in focus shop in the Lookout. Always a great read, even if it is to see what you've missed around the county. Packed full of info, essential for anyone interested in birds and the natural world.
Lancashire Bird Report 2020 178 pages £8.50
If you are visiting Brockholes and would like to know the best spots for certain species or would like to report any sightings, feel free to pop into the in focus shop based in the Lookout overlooking Pit No.1.
