Saturday, 9 April 2011

9th April 2011, Leighton Moss and Pendle Hill

Another scorching day by April standards with temperatures reaching 22c,
spring migration is well underway now. At Leighton Moss i heard my first Reed
Warbler of the year and saw my first Blackcaps (several).  Along with many
Chiffchaffs and Willow Warblers.
A fine pair of Garganey were showing from the Griesdale hide and at least four Marsh
Harriers were on the reserve. On the Eric Morecambe complex a Spotted Redshank
and three Ruff were among 850+ Black-Tailed Godwit.
Warton Slag Tips had several Wheatear and a pair of Little-Ringed Plovers nearby.

A visit to Pendle in the evening to search for migrant Ring Ouzels, and five birds were on
view together on the lower slopes of the hill from Pendleside Farm. Wheatear, Little Owl
and displaying Golden Plover added to the list.
As i made my way back to the car, a large gathering of Carrion Crows making an all-mighty
noise, drew my attention to a struggling shape on the ground.
A Sparrowhawk had taken a Lapwing!
It took five minutes to kill it and all the while the Crows were trying to rob the Hawk of
it's catch. Eventually the Sparrowhawk somehow, dragged the hapless Lapwing into cover
and out of the attention of the Crows.

Garganey drake

Garganey duck

Greylag

Black-Tailed Godwits

Marsh Tit

Peregrine

Spotted Redshank, Ruff and Redshank

Little Egret with Grey Heron

Ring Ouzels, Pendle Hill

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