Brockholes Wetland & Local Birding - 7th March 2010

It was getting late after Reece’s rugby match was put back because of a frozen pitch (well done for getting the winning try and getting promotion to the premiership next season), so I decided to head back out to see the Great Grey Shrike that has showing well in the Grindleton / Waddington Fell area. A quick text to Mike to find out if it had been seen came back with a response of no, and that he would be at Brockholes Wetland so I diverted to see how the place was progressing. Things have changed since my visit which was some time ago as those who read the blog will know. I only checked out the main pit but I do know the island height has been reduced to hopefully attract waders on No. 1 pit and at the far end of the main pit has been drained and sectioned off while the footings of the visitors centre are constructed.

I met Mike and we joined Bill a fellow birder I’ve met on previous visits to Brockholes. Scanning the main pit for around an hour I recorded c100 Black-headed Gull, Greater Black Backed Gull, Canada Geese, Grey Heron, 2 Redshank, 3 Lapwing, 1 Cormorant, 1 Little Grebe, 1 Shellduck, 2 Pochard, Gadwall, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Coot, Pied Wagtail, Buzzard and Reed Bunting.

Whilst chatting with Bill he informed Mike and I about a site local to me were both Raven and Peregrine have been seen so after saying our goodbyes we headed off.

As we arrived at the site 2 Raven could be seen departing the area so we set up in hope of their return. The Peregrine didn’t show whilst we were there but had been seen yesterday as confirmed by a visitor to the site while we were there. The Raven did return and it looks like there are 2 breeding pairs in the area as well as c30 roosting possibly breeding Jackdaw.

RAVEN COURTESEY OF MIKE FOLEY

Other sightings included 1 Jay, 2 Moorhen, 1 Little Grebe, Robin, Blackbird and a flock of small brown things that were to far out of range to identify with our binoculars.

Our feeders have been doing well lately with a continuous influx of Goldfinch on the nyjer seed. The Blackbirds have started to stretch their vocal cords from the top of the tree including the white patched male. Blue and Great Tits drop in in small numbers and Reece spotted a Wren during the week which was a welcome surprise. Small numbers of Greenfinch have started to use the feeders, were they are coming from I’m unsure as I’ve not seen any in the immediate area.

ABOVE BLUE TIT BELOW GOLDFINCH

ABOVE GREENFINCH BELOW THE WHITE PATCHED BLACKBIRD