The day of the Knot
A fantastic large flock of 180 Knot appeared in flight mid afternoon over Ron Barker area before settling down on Woodend Marsh viewed from UU Hide. This count smashes the previous site record of 32 in August 2007, and could also be a contender for the largest inland Lancashire flock? The murky low cloud with drizzle no doubt caused the appearance of the flock which pass through UK in large numbers on their way up to the high arctic.
Other sightings include 2 Sanderling on Woodend Marsh, 60+ Black-tailed Godwit and the start of the autumn/winter flock of Lapwings which is already at 85 birds. Plenty of other waders to be seen on site with plenty of Avocets including new chicks hatching almost daily, plus at least 3 pairs of Little Ringed Plover. Oystercatcher, Redshank and Snipe can also be seen and at least 1 Ruff was seen yesterday.
A pair of Shoveler with 8 young were seen from Harrier Hide this morning, also here Pochard female with 4 young.
One Cuckoo was calling on and off most of the day from the Collection area, also plenty of singing Warblers including Cetti's, Reed and Sedge, Chiffchaff and lots of Blackcaps around the site.
Single Marsh Harrier seen again.
An adult Great Spotted Woodpecker with a juvenile was showing very well on the feeders from Janet Kear Hide.
Call into the In Focus shop for any more details on where to see certain species on site.
