A single Hobby was hunting pipits low NW along Coal Pit Lane this morning.
Gulls on the roof at Horrocks Fold cow sheds and dropping to the farm by Bryan Hey Reservoir and Horrocks Fold pig shed today included a 3rd year Yellow-legged Gull, adult Great Black-backed Gull, 2 Herring Gull, 100+ Lesser Black-backed Gull and 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls.
Male Indian Peafowl along Chorley Old Road this evening not far from the rookery / Blundell Arms. Thought I'd better post it as there seems to be a move for it to be added to the British List!
3 Whinchat briefly dropped in at Higher Meadows along Georges Lane, before moving off north today. Also, 1 young male type Ring Ouzel, 12 Curlew over south and 15 Wheatear.
Grasshoppers Warblers reeling between Holdens Farm and Plantation and Tree Pipit and male Wheatear the highlights of a walk around Burnt Edge area this morning
2 Ring Ouzels very flighty and disappeared after 10 minutes. Started on right site near dip,flew left to tree then back to tree in valley where they were last seen.
I was intrigued by the recent pictures posted so I payed a visit to see the ring ouzels.
It was most unfortunate that this trip had its snags as I first witnessed a female pheasant came to near death as it was startled by a car! Several feathers flew about but it appeared it was a very close shave as she instantly flew over the hedge. Hopefully she only gotten bruised and the driver was likewise relieved she flew off.
When I found the ring ouzels (5 in a field), at least one of the males got gradually close enough to get a few record shots.
Still, I got some great views of them but nothing like I had hoped to achieve.
Also noteworthy was:
Pheasant Lesser redpoll (3+) Wheatear (female came in nice excellent viewing range) Grey wagtail Pied wagtail Stonechat Reed bunting Curlew Meadow pipit Black headed gull Blackbird Possible merlin that passed through very quickly Starlings
OS map reference for best viewing from next to the track of George's Lane: SD647132
Ta!
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Which bird is ideal for keeping cakes in? I asked. The answer: a Bun-tin.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/135715507@N06
15 Twite (over half males in breeding plumage) singing and displaying for 25 minutes in a single small larch on the north side of Pike Cottage garden at the north end of Georges Lane, then flew off north low over Crooked Edge at 10:15 this morning.
10-00-14.30 (Overcast, bleak day with strong westerly blowing)
Georges Lane : 2 Ravens(1 calling), a charm of 12 Goldfinches and a rather forlorn looking male Blackbird that looked completely out of place on the sheep pasture.
Burnt Edge : No birds were seen here at all, not even a crow, the only sign of life being a solitary Weasel on the path along the bottom of the bank.
Holdens Farm : A couple of Meadow Pipits were in the horse paddock.
A flock of 50+ Starlings were alongside Matchmoor Lane halfway between the stables and Burnt Edge, as was a single Rook.
Despite the gloom, there were plenty of Magpies around, especially along Georges Lane.