Ellel Grange
A former haunt of Marsh Tit. Green Woodpecker and Lesser
Spotted Woodpecker have been seen here recently. View
only from the canal towpath. |
 Lancaster
Canal at Ellel Grange
|
Conder Pool
Only created recently, it has already attracted two
Pectoral Sandpipers and a White-winged Black Tern. |
|
Glasson
Glasson is a small port town on the south bank of the
Lune Estuary. The main interest here are the wading bird
of the Lune Estuary, particularly slightly upriver of the
town at confluence of the River Conder. In autumn look
out for Little Egrets, Curlew Sandpipers and Spotted
Redshanks. Recently an adult Yellow-legged Gull has
returned here each autumn to moult. Past rarities include
Smew, Shag, Little Egrets, 2 Buff-breasted Sandpipers,
White-winged Black Tern and Waxwings.
The adjacent Glasson Basin is a busy marina but can also
attract birds. Red-necked Grebe and Little Auk have been
seen here in the past, and a colour-ringed Contiental
Cormorant is resident.
|
 Yellow-legged Gull Glasson
|
Cockersand
Located at the mouth of the Lune Estuary southeast of
Glasson. To access the area from the A588 opposite
Thurnham Hall drive west along Moss Lane and eventually
fork right to reach the small car park beyond Ligthouse
Cottage. From here there is a public footpath along the
shore in either direction.
On the lower high tides a wader roost forms on Plover
Scar. Tides higher then nine metres can cover the roost
and the birds often resort to the fields around the
Cockersand Abbey.
In winter Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover and Turnstone are
present. Wildfowl seen include a Wigeon roost between the
lighthouse and Bank End, small parties of Goldeneye and
Red-breasted Merganser are frequently seen with
occasional Eider and Scaup.
In spring and autumn large roosts of Dunlin and
Sanderling are joined by a few Whimbrel, Greenshank and
Spotted Redshank. In the past a roost of Little Terns has
been recorded.
The saltmarshes attract passerines including finches,
Rock Pipit, Twite and rarely Snow Buntings. Raptors are
seen frequently in this area, mainly Peregrine, Merlin
and Sparrowhawk but Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl have
been recorded.
The fields near Cockersand Abbey can attract large flocks
of Lapwing, Golden Plover, Curlew and Redshank. In recent
winters up to 2,000 Pink-footed Geese have been recorded.
A drive along the side roads can be very rewarding.
Lapland Buntings have been found in stubble fields here.
The area also attracts migrants, Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear
and Whinchat are seen in spring and autumn. Visible
migration can be observed and usually involves numerous
finches and pipits. Autumn gales can push seabirds
towards the mouth of the Lune Estuary with Leach's
Petrel, Great and Arctic Skua, Kittiwake, terns and auks
having been recorded. Past rarities have included Bean
Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Smew, Black-throated Diver, Great
Northern Diver, Red-necked Grebe, Avocets, Dotterel,
Broad-billed Sandpiper, Long-tailed Skua and Black
Guillemot. |
 |
Bank End
At the mouth of the River Cocker, Bank End Farm is a
convenient viewpoint for the upper reaches of Cockerham
Sands. To reach this site turn west off the A588, ½ mile
north of Cockerham, down Hillam Lane and follow the road
to Bank End Farm. Be aware that tides over 9.5 metres may
cover the road. Limited parking is available near the
farm, please take care not to block the farmer's access.
A public footpath to the west follows the shore to
Cockerham Sands Country Park.
A wader roost forms on the saltmarsh here as higher tides
fill the creeks and push the birds closer to the shore.
Extreme tides force the birds off the marsh onto adjacent
fields behind the seawall. In winter Oystercatcher, Grey
Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew
and Redshank. Wildfowl include Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal,
Pintail with smaller numbers of Great Crested Grebe,
Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser.
In both spring and autumn large roosts of Dunlin are
joined by Whimbrel, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank and
Common Sandpiper. There are occasional influxes of Little
Stint and Curlew Sandpiper in September.
High tides that flood the marshes reveal a hidden
population of Snipe that are sometimes joined in winter
by Jack Snipe. The saltmarsh attract passerines including
finches, Rock Pipit, Twite and Snow Bunting. Peregrine
and Merlin are seen regularly in winter.
Migrants seen in the area include Wheatear, Whinchat,
Yellow and Grey Wagtail.
Past rarities include Green-winged Teal, Spoonbill,
Hobby, Common Crane, Dotterel, Pectoral Sandpiper and
Wryneck. |
|
Cockerham Moss Edge
Past rarities in the area include Taiga Bean Geese,
Tundra Bean Geese, Snow Geese, Todd's Canada Goose,
Common Crane, Stone Curlew, Ring-billed Gull,
Dark-breasted Barn Owl and Raven. |
|
Pilling Marsh (Pilling
Lane Ends)
One of the best birdwatching sites in our area, Pilling
Marsh is situated at the mouth of the Lune estuary, at
the southern side of Morecambe Bay. The Pilling Lane Ends
Amenity Area car park just off the A588 at SD414495
serves the area and the birds can be viewed from the car
park or along the footpath to the west. Observers should
take care not to disturb high tide wader roosts.
The site is best visited two to three hours before high
water on tides exceeding nine metres.
The huge wader and wildfowl roosts hold large numbers of
Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Knott, Dunlin, Curlew and
Redshank with smaller flocks of Grey Plover, Golden
Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit. Waterfowl include
Pink-footed Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Teal and Wigeon
with small numbers of Great Crested Grebe, Brent Goose,
Pintail, Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser. The
saltmarshes hold large flocks of finches, pipits and
skylarks with occasional Twite and Snow Bunting. All
these birds attract raptors and two or three Peregrines
are often seen hunting the waders. Sparrowhawk and Merlin
are often seen, with Short-eared Owl appearing in some
winters. During very high tides the waders resort to the
reclaimed marshes by the A588 and good views can be had
from a car.
Spring and autumn migration periods bring varying numbers
of Golden Plover, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff,
Whimbrel, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper
and Common Sandpiper.
The whole area, including the pools and planted areas
around the car parks, attracts many migrants. The
embankment is a good vantage point to observe visible
migration particularly in autumn when large scale
movements can be seen. The most frequent migrants are
Meadow Pipit, Wheatear, Whinchat, Willow Warbler,
Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, Skylarks and wagtails.
Taiga Bean Geese, Tundra Bean Geese, Snow Geese, Ross's
Goose, Todd's Canada Goose, Black Brant, Ruddy Shelduck,
American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Little Egret, 2
Glossy Ibises, Spoonbills, Red Kite, Goshawk, Osprey,
Avocet, Collared Pratincole, Dotterel, Pacific Golden
Plover, Temminck's Stint, Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Grey
Phalarope, Long-tailed Skua, Richard's Pipit, Waxwing,
Yellow-browed Warbler, Firecrest, Bearded Tit, Willow
Tit, Hooded Crow, Raven and Lapland Bunting. |
 
|
Fluke Hall
View the private wood only from Fluke Hall Lane.
Past rarities include Taiga Bean Goose, Tundra Bean
Geese, Snow Goose, Little Egrets, Red Kite, Blue-headed
Wagtail, two Yellow-browed Warblers, four Firecrests,
Red-breasted Flycatcher, Raven and Lapland Buntings. |
|
Eagland Hill
Past rarities include Taiga Bean Goose, Tundra Bean
Geese, Snow Goose, Ross's Goose, Cackling Canada Goose,
Dotterel, Pectoral Sandpiper, Lesser Yellowlegs and
Turtle Dove. |
 Cackling Canada Goose with Pink-footed
Geese Eagland Hill
|
Preesall Flashes
There is no public access to this private site but the
largest pit can be seen distantly from Back Lane, which
runs south from Preesall Hill.
Past rarities include Green-winged Teal, Red-crested
Pochard, Bittern and Bearded Tit. |
|
Knott End-on-Sea
The beach is best watched at high tide during neap tides
or on the flowing or ebbing tide during spring tides. A
gull flock can often be found near the Esplanade and
regularly contains Mediterranean Gull. During late July
and August both Sandwich Terns and Common Terns gather
and sometimes attract Arctic and Little Terns.
Although not a prime seawatching location Leach's Petrels
have been recorded passing the shelters during strong
westerly winds in September and early October.
Past rarities include Storm Petrel, Kentish Plover, Grey
Phalarope, Roseate Tern, Waxwing, Chough, Hooded Crow and
Crossbill. |
|
Barnaby's Sands
Past rarities include Ruddy Shelducks, American Wigeon,
Red-necked Grebe and Spoonbill. |
|
Burrow's Marsh
Past rarities include Ruddy Shelduck, American Wigeon,
Red-necked Grebe and Spoonbill. |
|
Fleetwood Marsh (Jameson
Road)
The large landfill site here attracts large numbers of
Herring Gulls throughout the year, occasionally joined in
winter by Glaucous and Iceland Gulls. Garganey have been
recorded in recent years.
Access to much of this area is difficult but past
rarities include Stone Curlew, Grey Phalarope, Hooded
Crow, Lapland Bunting and Little Bunting.
Fleetwood Marsh Nature Park is open from 7:30am-7:30pm
daily |
 |
Rossall Point
Rossall Point forms the southern boundary of Morecambe
Bay, and the whole area provides year round interest for
the birdwatcher.
Access watch from the promenade or follow the footpath
along the edge of Fleetwood Golf Course. Note - please do
not stray onto the golf course which is private. Ample
parking is available at car parks, opposite Rossall
Hospital, north end of Fleetwood Golf Course and Marine
Hall, Fleetwood.
A high tide wader roost forms near the coastguard
station, the birds can be disturbed by people and they
often resort to the island on the nearby boating lake. A
large flock of Eider, sometimes exceeding 1,000 birds can
be seen offshore.
In winter small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Great
Crested Grebe, Eider, Goldeneye and Red-breasted
Merganser can be seen offshore. The wader roost will
include varying numbers of Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover,
Sanderling, Dunlin, Redshank, Turnstone and occasionally
one or two Purple Sandpipers. In most winters a few Twite
or Snow Bunting can be seen on Fleetwood Beach. The
boating lakes are an important winter site for Mute Swan
and small numbers of Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser
also visit the lakes.
Migration periods bring large parties of Sanderling,
Ringed Plover and Dunlin to the shore with smaller
numbers of Grey Plover, Knot and Bar-tailed Godwit. Sea
birds including Fulmar, Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Arctic
and Great Skuas, and terns can be seen offshore.
In autumn southwest gales drive Leach's Petrels inshore,
often over the beach in severe gales. The promenade is a
good vantage point to watch daytime migrants such as
Swallows, martins, pipits, wagtails and finches moving
north or south depending on the season.
The fields around Rossall School, or the edge of the golf
course, attract migrants and early morning visits can
produce Wheatear, Whinchat, pipits and wagtails with
occasional Ring Ouzel or Black Redstart.
Past rarities have included Black-throated Diver, Great
Northern Diver, Red-necked Grebe. Slavonian Grebe, Cory's
Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Storm Petrel, Shag, Osprey,
Kentish Plover, American Golden Plover, Grey Phalarope,
Long-tailed Skua, Sabine's Gull, Ross's Gull, Black
Guillemot, Little Auk, Puffin, Hoopoe, Richard's Pipit,
Tawny Pipit, Desert Wheatear, Icterine Warbler, Hooded
Crow, Crossbill, Lapland Bunting |
 
|
Stanah
Stanah is the local name for the west side of the Wyre
Estuary between Thornton and Skippool Creek.
The whole area can be viewed from the riverside paths
between Stanah and Skippool Creek. The car park at Stanah
overlook the widest part of the estuary.
The mudflats provide good feeding for the flocks of
waders that roost in the highest parts of the estuary.
The best time to visit is from one hour after high tide,
this part of the estuary is the first feeding ground
exposed as the tide ebbs.
In winter large flocks of Lapwing, Golden Plover and
Redshank are joined by varying numbers of Dunlin, Curlew
and Black-tailed Godwit. A period of hard weather can
bring influxes of Lapwing and Golden Plover from the
east.
Spring and autumn migrations bring parties of Ringed
Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit and smaller numbers
of Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Whimbrel and
Common Sandpiper.
Rarities seen here include Ruddy Shelduck, Little Egret,
Hobby, Avocet, Turtle Dove and Crossbill. There are often
autumn influxes of Curlew Sandpiper and sometimes Little
Stint.
The saltmarshes hold parties of Skylark, finches, pipits
and wagtails, these are best seen when the tide floods
the marshes.
The whole area attracts birds of prey. Peregrine, Merlin
and Sparrowhawk are seen in winter. The planted areas at
Stanah and the riverside hedgerows attract passerine
migrants, particularly autumn thrushes. Breeding birds
include Reed and Sedge Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat,
Whitethroat and Willow Warbler. |
 
|
Skippool Creek
Skippool Creek is where the Main Dyke flows into the Wyre
Estuary west of Shard Bridge.
Access to the area can be viewed from Wyre Road, Skippool
and the public footpath between Old Mains Lane and Shard
Bridge. The east side of the river can be viewed from the
public footpath between Shard Bridge and Saltmarsh Lane,
Hambleton.
The mudflats and south banks provide a feeding area and
nocturnal roost for waders and wildfowl. The best times
to visit are at two hours before high tide or one hour
after high tide to low water.
In winter large flocks of Lapwing, Curlew and Redshank
are joined by Dunlin, Ringed Plover and Black-tailed
Godwit. Shelduck and Mallard are the commonest of the
wildfowl with a few Teal often present.
Spring and autumn migration brings varying numbers of
Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank,
Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper. In some autumns parties of
Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper are seen with
occasional Ruff and Spotted Redshank.
The gathering of gulls on the sandbanks here sometimes
contain rarer species; Mediterranean Gull is regular
The saltmarshes attract flocks of finches and skylarks
with smaller numbers of pipits and wagtails. These are
best seen on high tides from the footpath leading south
from Hambleton. Choose a very high tide, arrive early and
watch for the birds as they are moved by the incoming
tide. Water Pipits are sometimes seen amongst the Rock
Pipits, and Jack Snipe often accompany the Snipe.
The whole area attracts raptors with Peregrine, Merlin
and Sparrowhawk are seen irregularly during most winters.
Past rarities include redhead Smew, Little Egret,
White-rumped Sandpiper (twice), Great Knot and 3
Ring-billed Gulls. |
Golden Plovers Skippool
Creek
|
Stanley Park
Past rarities include redhead Red-crested Pochard, Smew,
Red-necked Grebe, Roseate Tern, Wryneck and Crossbill. |
|
Marton Mere
Marton Mere occupies one of only two kettleholes in north
west England, formed at the end of the last Ice Age and
the scrub and grassland cover a former rubbish tip.
Around 200 species of birds have been recorded, over 130
annually. The site, which is an SSSI, is owned and run by
Blackpool Borough
Council.
Marton Mere is situated on the east side of Blackpool.
From the M55 Junction 4 follow signs for the Zoo. Park at
the Zoo car park or on Lawson Road off East Park Drive.
Follow the tracks to the east, adjacent to the De Vere
Hotel and golf course. An information centre is sited at
the western edge of the reserve. If you park your car at
Marton Mere Holiday Village it is essential that you do
not park on the grass - please use a hard standing.
From the Information Centre area through the northern
section of the Reserve there are scrub and grassland
habitats. Short-eared Owls and Barn Owls use these areas
for hunting throughout most winters. Warblers pass
through in spring and sightings of Cuckoo, Redstart and
Ring Ouzel are also possible. Breeding birds include
Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat and Linnet. Autumn fruits
attract good numbers of migrant thrushes. Also at this
time flocks of Goldfinches and Long-tailed Tits roam the
area.
Two hides are situated on the north shore of the Mere.
The reedbeds support Water Rails in winter, which are
seen mostly during icy conditions, and severals Bitterns
are usually present. Sedge Warblers and Reed Warblers
arrive in Spring to breed in good numbers, alongside
small numbers of Reed Buntings. From the larger hide look
into the scrape to your left for the possibility of
spring Garganey or passage waders.
Continuing clockwise around the Mere, the reedbeds and
drier areas of the north east corner, and along the
embankment, have more breeding warblers, including
Grasshopper Warbler. Another scrape can be viewed from
this area, which also attracts passage waders.
Look in the fields to the east for Wheatears, Whinchats,
Wagtails and displaying Lapwings in the spring and to the
barn roofs for Little Owl. Below the embankment a pair of
Stonechats usually spend the winter. This is also a good
area for Peregrine and Merlin, mainly in late summer and
autumn. The dyke is a good place to look for herons,
ducks and Water Rail (in winter).
A hide built by the Fylde Bird Club on the southeast bank
provides a good vantage point over the water. Great
Crested Grebe and Mute Swans are present all year. From
late autumn to late winter large numbers of ducks are
present, especially Teal, Shoveler and Tufted Duck, and
up to 14 species can be seen some days. In winter
Bitterns are best viewed from this side, late in the
afternoon as they go to roost, and Bewick's Swans
sometimes use the reserve as a roost site in mid winter.
Hundreds of gulls come in to bathe and these are worth
scanning through for rarer species, especially
Mediterranean Gulls which are seen from late winter to
mid spring. During the spring period Little Gull, Common
Tern and Black Tern can occur. Late summer brings about a
build up in Coot numbers and roosting Starlings. Sand
Martin and Swallow roosts can number thousands,
attracting raptors.
The kissing gate in the south west corner leads back to
the Information Centre. On the right another hide
overlooks the feeding area where finches, tits, thrushes,
Dunnock and Reed Bunting can be viewed. The scrub and
alders may attract Goldcrests, Siskins and Lesser
Redpolls in autumn and winter with passage warblers and
Spotted Flycatchers in spring. The wet field immediately
west attracts Grey Partridge, pipits, wagtails, Whinchat
and Wheatear.
Whilst on a visit in winter listen for skeins of
Pink-footed geese flying over and in spring variable
numbers of Whimbrel.
A long list of past rarities have included Egyptian
Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, American Wigeon, Green-winged
Teal, Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Smew,
Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Black-necked Grebe,
American Bittern, Little Bittern, Night Heron, Little
Egret, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbill, Honey Buzzard, Montagu's
Harrier, Goshawk, Osprey, Hobby, Spotted Crake,
Corncrake, Common Crane, Collared Pratincole, Temminck's
Stint, Pectoral Sandpiper, Long-billed Dowitcher, Lesser
Yellowlegs, Red-necked Phalarope, Grey Phalarope,
Ring-billed Gull, Laughing Gull, Roseate Tern, Whiskered
Tern, White-winged Black Tern, Turtle Dove, Hoopoe,
Wryneck, Green Woodpecker, Red-rumped Swallow, Cetti's
Warbler, Savi's Warbler, Great Reed Warbler, Barred
Warbler, Firecrest, Bearded Tit, Golden Oriole, Great
Grey Shrike, Hooded Crow, Raven, Mealy Redpoll, Hawfinch,
Lapland Bunting.
|
 
Great Reed Warbler
Marton Mere
|
Carr House Green Common
A variety of breeding passerines occur, such as
Whitethroat, Lesser Whitethroat and until recently
Grasshopper Warbler. In winter, flocks of Tree Sparrow
can be found towards the southern edge of the site and
Hen Harrier has been seen. Green Sandpipers have wintered
at the site and this species is regular in spring and
autumn.
Any vegetation at the site is worth checking, such as the
scattered bushes to the north of the B5269, Willow Wood,
a willow coppice accessed by travelling north along Woods
Lane. Park on a sharp right-hand corner and walk east to
access the coppice.
Past rarities include Wryneck, Richard's Pipit and
Yellow-browed Warbler. |
 Wryneck Carr House Green Common
|
Myerscough Quarry
Myerscough Quarry is a series of open pools created by
the extraction of sand in the 1980s and 1990s. Since the
extraction ceased the area has developed into an
excellent area for birds and wildlife in general. To
access, travel north along the A6 until taking a left
just before Guy's eating establishment, signposted
Myerscough College. Drive west for ½ mile before taking
the next left. Continue south for ¼ mile before parking
carefully on the sharp righthand bend. Walk over the
stile and the canal bridge to access the quarry.
Myerscough Quarry provides interest in all seasons but
visiting in spring and autumn obviously holds the best
chance of finding a good bird. In winter gulls provide
the most interest. Large flocks of Black-headed and
Common Gulls often gather on the largest pit.
Wintering duck species are also noteworthy. Myerscough
Quarry is one of the best sites in the Fylde to catch up
with Goosander, the peak count at the site currently
standing at 15. Scaup and Common Scoter have also been
recorded.
Summer is a notoriously dull period at the site but
breeding Sand Martins and until recently Little Ringed
Plover provide some attraction. Lesser Whitethroat has
bred and Reed Bunting, Willow Warbler, Goldfinch, Tree
Sparrow and Linnet breed annually.
Fylde scarcities such as Black-necked Grebe, Garganey,
Wood Sandpiper and Osprey have been recorded in spring.
Myerscough Quarry is also a good site for catching up
with Green Sandpiper and Jack Snipe. Due to disturbance
by dogwalkers many passage waders probably move through
undetected.
Visible migration is also surprisingly good for an inland
site; I always find it best to stand on the canal bridge
to view over-flying birds.
Past rarities include Lesser Scaup, Black-necked Grebes,
Osprey and Ring-billed Gull (twice). |
|
Fairhaven Lake
Past rarities include Ruddy Shelduck, Red-crested
Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, Smew, Slavonian Grebe, Little
Egret, Osprey, Red-necked Phalarope, Grey Phalarope,
Sabine's Gull, Ivory Gull, Turtle Dove, Shorelark,
Blue-headed Wagtail, Nightingale, Melodious Warbler,
Barred Warbler, Dusky Warbler, Yellow-browed Warbler,
Great Grey Shrike, Woodchat Shrike, Hooded Crow, Mealy
Redpoll, Crossbill, Lapland Bunting and Ortolan Bunting. |
 
Mediterranean Gull
Fairhaven Lake
|
Warton Marsh (Warton
Bank)
Arguably the premier site for raptors in the Fylde.
Warton Marsh regularly hosts ringtail Hen Harrier in the
winter months, along with several Merlins. The autumn
often brings juvenile Marsh Harriers to the marsh and
high tides push off roosting Short-eared Owls.
However, interest is not limited to birds of prey. Spring
tides in winter and spring guarantee a crowd of birders
at the end of Bank Lake where the Warton pipits are scrutinised and debated.
Past rarities include Little Egret, Spoonbill, Red Kite,
Osprey, Corncrake, Avocet, Green Woodpecker, Blue-headed
Wagtail, Great Grey Shrike, Raven and Ortolan Bunting. |
 |
Freckleton Naze
Access from Preston Old Road in Freckleton, take Naze
Lane East as far as the entrance to Freckleton Boat Yard
(SD434283). Park here, outside the gates, and take the
footpath along the wooded embankment down to the Ribble
Estuary. In spring listen out for Lesser Whitethroats
singing from the Hawthorns down there. After passing
several houses the path emerges onto the top of a banking
overlooking the 'creek' and, more importantly, the Naze
Pool.
Best viewed with a telescope, this area holds good
numbers of wildfowl and waders at the right time of year
including Shelduck, Teal and Black-tailed Godwits. Return
wader passage in late summer can bring summer plumaged
Spotted Redshank and Greenshank. Little Egrets have
become almost annual visitors to this site in recent
summers and Spoonbills have put in a number of
appearances. There is also a chance of encountering a
passage Marsh Harrier here. This is one of the Fylde's
last strongholds for Cuckoo, which is usually reliable in
early May. Garganey and Yellow Wagtail are also possible
in spring. The fields behind the pool often have Whooper,
Bewick's and Mute Swans grazing in the winter months.
Flocks of Golden Plover, Lapwing and Curlew can also be
seen here.
Carry on from this point further downstream and view the
pool from a second vantage point at a break in the
bushes, this second perspective can often reveal birds
not seen from the first point.
Shortly after this point the path leaves the edge of the
wood to negotiate a large house. Small flocks of Tree
Sparrows can be seen along the fence and surrounding
bushes here and Stock Doves are usually present in the
trees. Follow the path across a field down a hedge side,
then drop down the banking to reach the banks of the
River Ribble. The state of the tide will determine what
you can see from here. Low tide reveals the training wall
and areas of mud which are good for feeding waders on
passage (Ringed Plover, Dunlin) and Shelduck. High tides
in summer allow good views of terns (Common and a few
Arctic) fishing in the river and up Freckleton creek.
There is also a large roost of Cormorants on the
confluence of the Ribble Estuary and the Douglas Estuary.
In winter it is worth checking the large trees washed up
onto the marsh opposite for roosting Peregrines.
Past rarities include Ruddy Shelduck, Red-crested
Pochard, Little Egret, Spoonbill, Honey Buzzard, Osprey,
Hobby Avocet, Sabine's Gull, Blue-headed Wagtail, Willow
Tit, Great Grey Shrike and Raven. |
 
|
Newton Marsh
An area of grazed freshwater marsh with pools viewable
from the minor road off the main A584 from Preston to
Freckleton at SD456292. Turn down the road at the traffic
lights by Marsh Garage. Park on the grass between the
white bollards and the fence. It is usually best to stay
in your vehicle to avoid flushing the birds and scan the
Entrance Pool and surrounding grassland.
Wintering wildfowl include many Wigeon grazing the marsh,
Teal, Mallard, Shelduck, and perhaps Shoveler and
Pintail, Mute Swan, occasionally Whooper and Bewick's
Swans. Lapwing and Golden Plover in impressive large
mixed flocks, Curlew, Snipe, Redshank, occasionally Ruff.
Peregrines can sometimes be seen sitting on the
electricity pylons at the rear of the marsh. In spring
large flocks of Black-tailed Godwits may be seen and
Yellow Wagtails can be seen on passage in most years.
Other passage waders regularly include Common Sandpiper,
Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank,
Greenshank and occasionally Wood Sandpiper. Little Grebes
have bred here as well as good numbers of Lapwing and
Redshank out on the marsh.
Further down the road on the right is an old tip which
regularly has a Kestrel hunting over it and is also a
good place to search for Grey Partridge and Corn Bunting.
Past rarities include Egyptian Goose, Spoonbill, Osprey,
Temminck's Stint, White-rumped Sandpiper, Pectoral
Sandpiper, Grey Phalarope, Blue-headed Wagtail, Citrine
Wagtail, Hooded Crow and Raven. |
Continental Black-tailed
Godwit Newton Marsh
|
Preston Dock
Past rarities include Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe,
Shag, Ring-billed Gull, Waxwing and Firecrest. |
|
|
