Trip reports

MANSFIELD RSPB MEMBERS GROUP FIELD TRIP TO PENNINGTON FLASH on 6th SEPTEMBER 2009

RSPB

Sunday, 4 October 2009

Pennington Flash is a country park (494 acres) located between Lowton and Leigh in Greater Manchester. The Flash itself is a lake, which was created at the turn of the 20th century by coal mining subsidence and flooding. Now an extensive nature reserve with several bird hides and a network of tracks and footpaths, Pennington Flash Country Park is nationally renowned for its birdlife and is a classic example of natural regeneration.

The following is not the best list that we have put together on our travels but interesting nevertheless. The Kingfisher was the Bird of the Day, giving us numerous sightings. The bird feeding station was worth a visit if only to see Greenfinch in abundance.

Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Buzzard, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Black Headed Gull, Lesser Black Backed Gull, Herring Gull, Common Tern, Wood Pigeon, Collared Dove, Turtle Dove, Kingfisher, Sand Martin, Swallow, Pied Wagtail, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Willow Warbler, Long Tailed Tit, Marsh Tit, Willow Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Treecreeper, Jay, Magpie, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet and Bullfinch.

Derek Beech,
Outdoor Meetings Secretary