Trip reports

Field Trip to Brockholes Quarry

Sunday, 21 September 2008

The most recent group visit took place on 21st September to Brockholes Quarry near Preston. The site is a former quarry now being restored and developed into a major wetland reserve by Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

The group proceeded along the main track through the reserve, a few Jay, Long-tailed Tit and a Treecreeper were noted in the nearby woodlands. We then came to the first of the large pools, a good variety of water birds were present including Wigeon, Gadwall, Shoveler, Tufted Duck and Pochard along with several Snipe and a small flock of Lapwing.

Moving towards the River Ribble Buzzard, Green Woodpecker and Reed Bunting were observed whilst a female Goosander and two Kingfisher were seen on the river itself. As we returned to the car park the group were treated to good close views of a juvenile Hobby feeding on dragonflies over one of the pools.

After lunch the group moved to Cuerden Valley Park, another LWT reserve, mainly woodland and open grassland along the valley of the River Lostock.

The park was busy so the visit got of to a quiet start the highlights of which were singing Chiffchaff, Goldcrest and a small flock of Siskin things livened up in the less populated part of the park. Several Buzzard and Peregrine were noted overhead, several Grey Wagtail were seen along the river and a family of Spotted Flycatcher in nearby woods.

In all 56 species were recorded.