Pennigton Flash

Pennington Flash 18th April

Warblows all over the place, Blackcaps,Willow, Chiffchaffs, Even the reedbeds had two singing Reed Warblers claiming territory. But warblers was not what I come for. Two Black Necked Grebes have been here all week (originally 4). A long walk to the far end of the Flash, before I got to see the pair. And what views. No chance of a photo, as they spent more time underwater than on top - up one,two,three and dive for 30 seconds.
Other birds included 4 Black Tailed Godwit, Redshank, L.R.Plover, Little Gulls , Common Tern 2, Wheatear.
Summer is here.

Pennington Flash

The last time I was here, I think was February. Since then I have missed a few birds. This week saw a Red-Necked Phalarope, This morning a Mediteranean Gull. All gone now of course. So I have chosen to get a long staying and some times very confiding Garganey Duck. Just as I get to the area of water where it frequents, the heavens open and I didn't give it the time it deserved. In the brief time I was there though, I watched as a Great Crested Grebe struggled to swallow a small Pike of about 6 inches. A predator eating a predator. As all the ducks stuck there heads under their wings, to protect their heads from getting a soaking. (bit odd, don't you think? There they are floating on a lake, and they don't wish to get a soaking from the rain..must be just me to think this!!), All I see a floating backsides. One floating backside I notice, has a stiff-tail pointing up, and that duck could only belong to a Ruddy Duck, (species 159 on the list). Another bird resembled a large ball of black and white cotton.. A Black necked grebe, now in it's winter finery.
From the shelter of the 'NEW' hide, a pair of Green Sandpipers, and 13 Grey Herons, and plenty of wildfowl of different species completed a worthy trip.
Next week: I have booked on a 4 hour Sea cruise from Bridlington. I hate this trip. I was not meant for sailing. Last year the trip was cancelled due to bad weather - my prayers where answered then, but they are not always answered.

"Something old...Something new.."

Pennington flash, near Leigh, close to the East-Lancs road (A580), A typical flash, developed into a Country Park, with some rough scrub reed and rush areas. This week saw the mix of new arrivals, as well as some of the remaining birds from the winter. Earlier in the week, a small passage of Kittiwakes briefly showed, before taking a short-cut across to the east coast - probably? Both Ringed and Little Plovers where in small numbers, but easily viewable from the main hide - now with roof, after being blown off during the February gales. In the woods, if you was lucky, a Long-Eared Owl could be seen. You could not escape the monotonous di-syllabic sounds from the trees. Chiffchaffs announced that they are the years first warblers to arrive in this country. Calling from everywhere it seems. On the lake itself, three Black Necked Grebes, gave distant and close views. This like all the grebes, is absolutely resplendent. With golden plumes as ear coverts, against a black face and deep red eyes. (The picture was borrowed from Olia Roma tours). Also Sand Martins and a Swallow passed through. Long stayers still present Goldeneye and Goosander.

New to the list: Ringed Plover, Little Ringed Plover, Black Neck Grebe, Chiffchaff.

Total :98