Brinscall to White Coppice - 3rd May 2009

We took a trip up to Brinscall to take the walk to White Coppice hoping to see the Cuckoo, Green Woodpecker and Redstart we’d been told are in the area.
We arrived just after lunch which I think was a mistake as there were plenty of walkers around, some with dogs (nothing against them we walk and have 2 dogs) so I think next time it will be at least a morning start.

We took the path following the Goit to White Coppice cricket ground, plenty of woodland to hopefully see plenty of birds. No such luck, plenty calling but the most we saw were a Curlew overhead, a pair of Song Thrush feeding under a holly tree and 2 Mistle Thrush on the grass embankment near the cricket ground. The joy of summer birding in woodlands is trying to spot them calling amongst the trees.

Anyway undeterred we stopped for a brew at the café at the cricket club before heading back via moorland. A few more sightings on the way back which included Meadow and Tree Pipit, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Heron and Pied Wagtail. Also saw 2 Roe Deer amongst the long grass though they soon moved on when walkers appeared

No sign of the trio of birds we wanted to see but hey thats birding.

Brockholes Quarry 02-05-09

We arrived earlier than usual so we could have more of a look around.
A Curlew flew in as we walked along the road but nothing more of any interest that we could see.
Further around on the other large pit we noted Great Crested Grebe and Tufted Duck.
Also several birds (possibly Sedge Warbler as they have been sighted around the reeds) were singing but not sighted.
Back to the main pit to join the rest counting the Whimbrel in and we saw 181 before we left just after 9. They seem to be still appearing in numbers but it looks like they are beginning their journey north in small numbers.

Other sightings on the main pit through the evening were the usual Tufted Duck, 2 Shellduck, Lapwing, 4 Oystercatcher, 3 more Curlew, 3 Heron, 1 Gadwall plus 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Ringed Plover and 1 Dunlin.

Over head the Swifts were around in more numbers tonight with 14 being seen around the main pit along with 3 House Martin and 3 Swallow. At the entrance to the quarry we saw 18 Sand Martins feeding over the Ribble.

Brockholes Quarry 01-05-09

Work commitments had kept us away all week, but the night being light and dry we headed down to check on the Whimbrel numbers. We spent another 2 hours there counting them in, Reece being encouraged by some birders we have met a few times down there. By the time we left at 21:10 we’d counted 230 a record for this year. One guy was staying on so more probably arrived, if we get the number I’ll post them.

Other notable sightings across the evening included 2 Ringed Plover, 1 Snipe, Reed Bunting, Oyster Catcher, Lapwing, Tufted Duck, Shellduck, 4 Heron (I'm told there's a Heronry nearby), our first Swift of the year, 2 Gadwall and 2 female Teal. We were all quite surprised the Teal still being around, even more that no male were present with them.

Bank Holiday weekend so hope to be out and about though not sure yet but will be up at Brockholes Quarry tomorrow night to see if the Whimbrel numbers have increased.