Brockholes Quarry

A first trip to Brockholes Quarry near Preston. For years now I have been driving past here, today I give it a go.
A large area, cut for gravel has left several pools and great expectaions. I hear from a reliable source that soon? the area is going to be developed for public recreation, Nature reserve area, Fishing and boating lakes. I can't wait.
At the moment though, we must park up at the gate and view what flys over the River Ribble.
Tons of Hirundines (swallows, Martins, Swifts) hawking over the surface of the river. Above them the watchfull eye of Hobby. Hobbies are regular here, seen many times, if you look towards the church, it usually is seen in that direction. If you are lucky, then close views of it/them? swooping low, hunting over the river. Also seen a Buzzard.
Further info - http://www.brockholeswetland.net/index.php
A great place to visit, but beware the car criminals, leave only the wife to watch out.

Derbyshire delights.

It is located only 45 miles from Rochdale, but it never fails to remind me of Eastern European landscapes. Howden reservoir, situated at the northern end of Ladybower reservoir, just off A57 (snake pass), Manchester – Sheffield, offers fantastic views of part of the famous Derbyshire peak district. Howden reservoir is famous for two reasons: 1 – this was where the great war time film ‘The Dambusters’ was filmed, where Lancaster bombers drop Barnes Wallaces’ bouncing bomb onto the water surface towards destroying the dam. 2 – Goshawks. This Buzzard sized Sparrowhawk, in the right time and place, can give viewers fantastic Ariel displays to the fortunate. From the visitors center take the long road to windy corner and look over towards Cold side oaks. This spot is called by the locals as,’Windy corner’, very apt. The peak times to view them here are mid March to mid April. In the past, I have had great success from 11am to 1pm. Also there is good chance of Peregrine falcon putting in a appearence. Lower down from Howden, the visitors center offfers you few species on the bird feeders.

New to the list Red Grouse and Siskin.

Total 94.

"Love is in the air.."

March for me, means one thing. For the last eight years, I have making 3 trips to Marbury country park, Cheshire to see Britain's smallest Woodpecker - I have still yet to see them. Whilst waiting for a sighting, or even sounding of this very elusive bird, there are plenty of opportunities to photograph the other inhabitants of the wood. This weekend, you could not help but notice that most of the birds where beginning courtships. On the lake, many Grebes where starting their must see, fantastic courtship rituals with there intended. Kingfishers where flying around in groups, using the bright sunshine to reflect the electric colouring of the feathers to attract partners. Overhead, seven Buzzards danced on the air, with the same hope. The aggressive Robins spent most of the time chasing each other. A fabulous day spent with nature.

New species to the list: Water Rail, Raven, Little Grebe.

Year Total 83.