Ellel Grange
Conder Pool
Glasson
Cockersand
Bank End
Cockerham Moss Edge
Pilling Marsh (Pilling Lane Ends)
Fluke Hall
Bradshaw Lane Head
Eagland Hill
Preesall Flashes
Knott End-on-Sea
Barnaby's Sands
Burrow's Marsh
Fleetwood Marsh (Jameson Road)
Rossall Point
Stanah
Wardley's Creek
Skippool Creek
Blackpool
Stanley Park
Marton Mere
Carr House Green Common
Myerscough Quarry
Starr Gate
Fairhaven Lake
Warton Marsh (Warton Bank)
Naze Pool
Newton Marsh
Preston Dock

Gazetteer
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.		  
Bradshaw Lane Head

  
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.

Wardley's Creek

  
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
Blackpool

  
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).		  
Starr Gate

Visit the website dedicated to Starr Gate.		  
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.		  

Gazetteer

Anchorsholme SD3242
Arm Hill SD3446
Avenham Park SD5428
Bank End SD4452
Barnaby's Sands SD3445
Bartle Pools SD4833
Bispham SD3040
Bispham Marsh SD3240
Blackpool SD3136
Bond's Farm SD4248
Bone Hill Farm SD4346
Bourbles Pit SD3747
Bradshaw Lane Head SD4145
Broughton SD5235
Burglar's Alley SD3344
Burrow's Marsh SD3544
Carleton SD3339
Carr House Green Common SD4737
Cartford Bridge SD4240
Catforth SD4735
CEGB Pool SD3346
Churchtown SD4843
Cleveleys SD3143
Clifton Marsh SD4629
Cocker Estuary SD4452
Cockerham SD4652
Cockerham Moss Edge SD4349
Cockerham Sands SD4152
Cocker's Dyke SD3749
Cockersand SD4253
Cogie Hill SD4446
Conder Estuary SD4555
Conder Pool SD4555
Copthorne SD4544
Cumming Carr SD4246
Dam Side SD4048
Eagland Hill SD4345
Ellel Grange SD4853
Fairhaven Dunes SD3327
Fairhaven Lake SD3427
Fleetwood SD3247
Fleetwood Dock SD3347
Fleetwood Marine Lakes SD3248
Fleetwood Marsh Nature Park SD3346
Fluke Hall SD3949
Forton SD4851
Freckleton SD4228
Galgate SD4855
Gipsy Hole Wood SD3534
Glasson SD4456
Granny's Bay SD3427
Great Crimbles SD4550
Great Eccleston SD4240
Greyfriars SD5232
Gynn Gardens SD3037
Hackensall Hall SD3447
Hambleton Marsh SD3642
Hardhorn SD3538
Head Dyke Lane SD3947
Herons' Reach Golf Course SD3435
Horse Park Lane SD4248
ICI Tank SD3345
Ingol SD5131
Inskip SD4637
Jameson Road SD3346
Jarvis Carr SD4247
Kellamergh SD4029
Kirkham SD4232
Knott End-on-Sea SD3548
Larbreck SD4040
Lea Marsh SD4829
Lightfoot Green SD5133
Little Singleton SD3739
Little Thornton SD3541
Lowther Gardens SD3527
Lune Estuary SD4356
Lytham SD3527
Lytham Hall SD3528
Lytham Moss SD3430
Lytham St Anne's Nature Reserve SD3030
Marton Mere SD3435
Medlar Marsh SD4135
Moss Side SD3830
Mount Park SD3348
Myerscough College SD4940
Myerscough Quarry SD5038
Mythop SD3634
Nateby SD4644
Naze Point SD4327
Naze Pool SD4327
Newton Marsh SD4529
North Shore SD3038
Out Rawcliffe SD4041
Parrox Hall SD3647
Pilling SD4049
Pilling Hall SD4149
Pilling Lane SD3749
Pilling Lane Ends SD4149
Pilling Marsh SD4149
Pleasure Beach Railway Bushes SD3033
Potters Brook SD4852
Poulton-le-Fylde SD3439
Preesall SD3647
Preesall Flashes SD3646
Preston SD5329
Preston Dock SD5129
Rawcliffe Hall SD4141
Rawcliffe Moss SD4443
Ream Hills SD3634
Ribble Estuary SD3926
Ribby Hall SD4131
River Brock SD5040
Rossall Point SD3147
Rossall School SD3144
Saltcotes SD3728
Salwick SD4632
Sand Villa SD4350
Scronkey SD4147
Shard Bridge SD3641
Shell Flat SD2641
Singleton SD3838
Singleton Hall SD3739
Skippool Creek SD3541
South Shore SD3033
St Annes SD3128
St Michael's on Wyre SD4641
Staining SD3436
Stake Pool SD4148
Stalmine SD3745
Stalmine Moss SD3945
Stanah SD3542
Stanley Park SD3235
Starr Gate SD3031
Staynall SD3643
Thornton ICI Reservoir SD3444
Todderstaffe Hall SD3636
Wardley's Creek SD3642
Warton Bank SD4027
Warton Marsh SD3927
Waterside Farm SD3940
Watson Road Park SD3133
Weeton SD3834
Wharles SD4435
Whitehill Road SD3532
Whyndyke Farm SD3533
Willowgrove SD3648
Windy Harbour SD3840
Winmarleigh Moss SD4447
Woodland Gardens SD3336
Wrea Green SD3931
Wyre Estuary SD3445
Wyre Light SD3251

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