Ring Ouzel (mega)
With migration now coming into full swing we have been looking with envy at sites (mostly coastal) turning up migrants. This has been particularly true regarding Ring Ouzel.
This male (below) was feeding along the boundary of the reserve parallel to the railway line. It is only the second record for the reserve the first being in April 1981. Lancashire is an excellent county for breeding Ring Ouzel who inhabit upland territories.
As this graph from the excellent BTO Birdtrack indicates numbers being seen in the UK this year are high.
There had obviously been a 'fall' of migrants as close by 7 Wheatear were feeding on a recently ploughed field. In the same area 7 Corn Bunting and the first Yellowhammer of the year.
Opposite the reserve this morning 2 more Wheatear and 6 Golden Plover (below). Red-legged Partridge and Corn Bunting there too, the later singing near the derelict farm house.
Plenty of birding to be had around the edge of the reserve before the reserve opens at 9.30. Including access to the Reedbed Walk which takes you out to the area the Ring Ouzel was found. The reserve car park is open from 8am the routes around the reserve start in the small car park left of the entrance.
