Cuerden Valley Park & Hesketh Out Marsh

Things have been a little quiet over the last few weeks so apologies to all who check on the blog to see what has been seen around the area.

A morning walk around Stags Lodge on the 6th had good views of two calling male Bullfinches and a single female, the first time in a long while I seen them locally.
Also plenty of Great and Blue Tits calling and a single Robin around the pond. The afternoon I spent up at Cuerden Valley Park and though there was nothing new to report there were a vast number of calling Tits and Finches around the cinder path wooded area of the park. 3 Greater Spotted Woodpecker were in different parts of the park, one seen two heard. On the lake the lone Canada Goose has been joined by several others and I managed to see one of the 2 reported Great Crested Grebes in full summer plumage, the first time I’d seen them in a month or so.


On the 7th I managed a few hours up at Hesketh Out Marsh hoping to see the Grey Plover that have been reported seen on the reserves facebook page, I haven’t seen them before so would be a nice tick. The only raptors on show were 2 Buzzard over the old wall. Waders included 3 Curlew 20+ Redshank and 2 Black-Tailed Godwit amongst a flock of Shellduck which were in good numbers across the reserve. Other wildfowl included Mallard, Wigeon and Teal, no sign of any Swans or Geese though with the mist you couldn’t see to far.


Today I drove my favourite stretch of motorway (M40) as I headed back from the south counting 28 Red Kite, 2 Buzzard and 1 Kestrel. I’m working up at Seahouses over the next 2 days so hope to report back something if I get chance to look around.

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4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good to see that your blog is active again. Cuerden looks to be a good spot. I don't remember if I mentioned it but there were plenty of Grey Plover at Rampside last Friday on the high tide (should you miss them locally). Mike

Derek Gallagher said...

Yes Cuerden is always a good walk around. Re your mention of the Grey Plover I've booked next Friday off and am heading up to Rampside with Reece so I'll be in touch for some more information.
Have spent a few hours this afternoon at Seahouses Harbour and have some photos (thanks to Mick) and hope to take some more tomorrow so watch this space.

Derek

Stuart Price said...

That's 28 more Red Kite than I've ever seen........

Derek Gallagher said...

Ah yes but how many species of birds of prey have you seen? More than likely out numbers mine. If you ever fly home go via Heathrow, I know its a long drive but you can't miss Red Kites along the M40

Derek