No, not a record Steven, if I remember rightly (and all my data on this sort of thing was lost in my hard drive crash) Audenshaw holds the record and I'm pretty sure it was into the early three figures (100 and odd), flocks of 80 or so have been recorded on occassions too, but either way it's still a cracking count!

Is this a record? Would have gone myself but in my eagerness to see the Blacks and Arctics yesterday I snapped the tripod attachment to my new scope!!!

Looks like the north west is raining Arctics at the moment, 2012 counted past Heysham see link below
http://www.lancasterbirdwatching.org.uk/forum/read.php?1,15022.

Just had txt off Barry - a STONKING 35 - THIRTY FIVE Arctic Terns early afternoon at Pennington. They were present when he left site at 13.30. Anyone else have the pleasure of seeing them ?

Flying visit on way to work this morning. No Black or Arctic Terns (deep sigh!) but drake Garganey was right at the edge of the main flash nr where the burger van parks. Stonking views - was tipped off by John about it - I believe it was asleep on the bank when he went past. Wish I had brought my camera.

In addition to Declans' list (we were there at the same time and probably said hello), we saw a couple of Ringed Plovers from Horrocks, a Whitethroat (in reeds on way round to yacht club) and a Kestrel.

-- Edited by rezMole at 12:56, 2007-05-02

2 Black Terns (lifer) from sailing club this evening 8.30pm.
Also Arctic Tern, Swift and Common Sandpiper.

Dean.

Still 2 black terns this evening between 7-8.30pm,feeding close to the yacht club with several common terns (4 or 5) and at least 1 arctic (seen well sitting on buoy). also lots of swifts, swallows and a few sand martins in same area. Kingfisher flew acrss from Slag end, and 1 common sandpiper flew out from same place.
2 terns on spit (probably common) with male wigeon,2 redshank, 1LRP, 1 oystercatcher, 11 LBB Gulls, among black-headed gulls and usual mallard,gadwall and shoveler. counted 12 GC grebes. 2 snipe from Horrocks hide.
3 singing blackcap, 3 chiffhcaff, 1 willow warbler, 1 reed warbler, 1 sedge warbler heard. Thought i heard garden warbler singing near New hide, but not absolutley sure about that. Nice views of adult fox being harrassed by canada geese from new hide.

My mistake Judith, not Barry`s. I must have mis-heard him in all the excitement ! His last (and only) one was heading NE @ 06.35 on the 3rd May 1998.
( I`ve looked in the `98 Report but unfortunately it wasn`t recorded )

Nothing on the Pennington Flash sheets, Leigh OS report or my database about any Osprey on 3.5.06 or 3.5.05 for that matter, Ian - can you confirm that with Barrie when you next speak to him?

Just nipped in during my lunch break

2 Black Terns - showing well on the posts nr the end of spit until bullied by a BHG
5 Arctic Terns
7 Common Terns

Another update - 3 Black Terns & at least 3 Arctic Terns

I wouldnt be suprised if we get a few Black Terns in the county in the next few days with this weather!

Also 2 adult Black Terns & at least one Arctic present late morning

(B.Hulme)

(it always kicks off when I`m at work ! ! !)

1st May

Osprey over ruck and canal @ 06.55, lingered for about 5 mins. then departed N.
( Barry Hulme - who is, not surprisingly, OVER THE MOON ! )

Edit - talking to Barry on the `phone he tells me he saw one last year on the 3rd May - for anyone who hasn`t seen one in the county this is perhaps worth bearing in mind - next year camp out on the ruck for a few days at the beginning of May !

-- Edited by Ian Woosey at 07:57, 2007-05-01