The Mere and the Moss

 I decided to visit Martin Mere on Jan 19 with the weather being mild and dry. Walked down to Janet Kear hide and suitably masked up stayed for a good while. It was much quieter with fewer human visitors but thankfully lots of birds coming to the feeders. Several Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Tree Sparrow, the ubiquitous Robin. Long Tailed Tit then a really good view of a male Brambling. I saw some Mallards on the water and then regular visits from Blue tit, Great Tit and Moorhen. 

Returned to look over the main mere which had views of Pintail, Shelduck, Pink Footed Geese, Shoveler, Bar-tailed Godwit, Pintail, Whooper Swan, Lapwing and Wigeon. The appearance of a Marsh Harrier made them all fly around.

I checked the weather forecast and saw the next day was to be dry and sunny, so I booked a ticket to visit Leighton Moss by train. The station at Silverdale is only a short walk from the reserve and for me the price of £8 return, impossible to ignore. I couldn't spend long in Lilian's hide since there was going to be a wedding there within ten minutes. The one thing of note there was the legend that is John Wilson, the former manager of the site. 

Brisk walk from here to Lower hide. Snipe, Jack Snipe, Wigeon, Shoveler, Teal, Greylag Geese, Mallards, Cormorant and Mute Swans were visible from the main windows. A female Marsh Harrier flew casually over scattering flocks as it did so. I then decided to have a more casual stroll back to Lilians hide. I noted Bullfinch, a few cormorants, a calling Cetti's Warbler, Tufted Ducks, a Water Rail, Reed Bunting and some Wrens.

                  

The feeders back at the centre provided excellent views of Marsh Tit, Greenfinch, Chaffinch, Bullfinch, Pheasant, Mallard, I then decided to climb up the Tower which is near to Lilians hide. There was a Grey Heron, a flypast of Greylag Geese, Tutted Ducks, more Snipe which you may spot in the (poor) photo and then finally wonderful views of a male Marsh Harrier. By the end of the day my yearly total of flora/fauna was frustratingly at 169. This is still about 140 more than this time last year, but were were in Lockdown then.

 

The Eyes have it!

  

  Sunday Jan 9th I went on a walk with Chorley Natural History Society along Eyes Lane Bretherton. I arrived a little earlier than the starting time of 9.00am and was welcomed by a Tawny Owl in the avenue of trees nearby. There were also the usual dunnocks, various tits, a Great Spotted Woodpecker and a Robin. As the other members were arriving, they were greeted by a flypast of about 50 Pink Footed Geese. Once everyone was assembled we set off down the wooded lane with chaffinch, nuthatch and coal tits managing to ensure we didn't see them. It's a good job they are so noisy. One of the wild flowers that was surviving the mild winter caught our eye. It was White Dead Nettle. Pausing to take a photo we also spotted Skylarks and some Pheasants in the nearby field. I couldn't believe it had taken me 9 days before being able to add this common bird to my list. Continuing down the lane it became less wooded but had hedgerows on either side. Linnets, Chaffinches and Yellowhammer showed themselves, though the latter's yellow plumage does make it easier to spot. The bridge over the River Douglas was the next place to scan for other birds. Teal, Mallard and Moorhen scurried or flew away so we carried on to the west of the river. The field to the north had a hedge about 100 yards away from us and as I scanned I noticed several thrushes. Flying from field to trees and the hedge were Fieldfare, Redwing and a single Mistle Thrush. I also noted a large black corvid and was delighted when it's cronk confirmed it was a raven. 

       

The next field contained a small group of Whooper Swans. Two adults and three young. More flowers were noted on this part of the lane, these were Ivy leaved speedwell, Pineapple weed and more White Dead Nettle. The house where Tree Sparrows used to be reliable had been demolished and a new build was nearing completion. Fortunately the Tree Sparrows had not moved too far down our oute and we were delighted to observe them as well as corn buntings. I decided to leave for home at this point and manages to count more Mallards and Teal by the Baily Bridge. As I approached my vehicle I saw a fungus on some birch. It was a new one for me and I understand it is Worlock's Butter. A great end to a good day. List now stands at 143

The First Hundred.

 Thank goodness the dry weather continues. I started by going to fill up the bird feeders on Cuerden Valley Park and then went to collect the SD cards in the two trail cameras I have in different areas of the Park. We surprised four roe deer that hadn't noticed us until we were about 20 yards away. We paused to allow them to go to a quieter part of the wood. This photo was taken by Bev Redman.

We left the lake which was fairly quiet. It only had some black headed gulls and two coot. On arriving at Stock Pond I saw a kingfisher, a Grey Heron and three Goosanders. This brought my list up to 62.

The following day I took a friend to check the high tide at Southport which was said to be thirty one feet. First we checked out the Sandgrounders hide the RSPB have and saw a plethora of birds. Little Egret and Little Grebe were the first ones to note. Scanning the pools and marsh we then noted Wigeon, Snipe, Teal, Gadwall, Lapwing, Black Tailed Godwit, Canada Goose, Mallards and Golden Plover.

wigeon 

Golden Plover 

 Since high tide time was approaching, we crossed the road to watch the sea come in. Pink Footed Geese, more Little Egrets, Skylark, Snipe, Shelducks a couple of Stonechat, a Peregrine and several waders trying to evade being the Peregrine's lunch. It was getting a little cool so we decided to move towards the pier. Someone had suggested we may see something exciting there. A short walk proved them to be correct. About four Snow Buntings feeding on the beach were a delight to see.

We then called in at Martin Mere on our way home hoping to spot the Brambling at Janet Kear hide. This time we were unsuccessful, but Pintail, Pochard, Whooper Swans and a Hen Harrier did give us a superb end to our day out.

Total now at 101

Day One - Home Turf.

The first day of my challenge was dry and warm for January (11 degrees C) The first on my list was the oak tree right outside my front door and then as I set off for Cuerden Valley Park a song thrush started practicing his repetitive song. I had set my moth trap up with it being a warm evening but sadly on opening, I had only caught a Harvestman,                                       

                               

I then went to fill up the bird feeders, noting blue tit, great tit, coal tit, nuthatch, robin, grey squirrel and a Harlequin ladybird on the cafe window. Several goldfinches were using a feeder near the Walled Orchard and a blackbird was searching in the leaf litter for her breakfast. Not too far away a tree-creeper, oblivious to my presence was doing the same, but on an oak tree trunk.  Nearer to the workshop I heard a goldcrest and was able to spot it as well. I didn't see the bullfinch that was calling nearby.

Time to go to Kem Mill. Though my search for dipper was unsuccessful, I did spot a grey wagtail and some white dead-nettle in flower. There was also some jelly ear fungus and a fungus I didn't know.

         
  

Walked to the lodge and saw three mallards and five moorhens. At that point my heart started beating faster. On top of a bullrush there was a kingfisher. Its body was swaying with the plant but the head perfectly still. It then made a successful dive for its lunch. It was getting near my lunchtime so I headed towards the car park. As I did a mixed flock of finches flew from the hedge to the horse chestnut trees. I was delighted to note some chaffinches, more goldfinches, three bullfinches and a couple of greenfinches. A very pleasant morning.

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