Selected Site Guides for
Birdwatching in the Fylde
New Myerscough Quarry Where to Watch Geese
Bank End, Cockerham Cockersands Lane Ends, Pilling Marton Mere
Newton Marsh SSSI Freckleton Naze Rossall Skippool Stanah Return to Home Page
THE FYLDE RECORDING REGION
GOOSE WATCHING IN THE FYLDE by L.G. BLACOW.
Pink-footed Geese arrive in Lancashire from mid-September and peak numbers occur in November. Most of the early birds move straight over the Fylde to south-west Lancashire. Until recently birdwatchers did not look for geese in the Fylde until the New Year, but changes in agricultural practice, and the opportunistic feeding habits of the geese, have led to changes in their distribution.
Once-favoured areas around Out Rawcliffe have been abandoned in favour of fields around the Wyre Estuary. The area between Rossall School and Fleetwood Road often attracts several thousand birds from November onwards. The birds can be viewed from laybys on Amounderness Way or Rossall Lane, and the tram shelter on Rossall Road. Over Wyre, the birds use fields between Hambleton and Stalmine but can be difficult to view from the limited vantage points. Birds feeding in these areas often roost in the Wyre Estuary between Arm Hill and Stanah.
Regularly-used sites on the Over Wyre plain include the Eagland Hill area where they can be viewed from Bone Hill Lane, Bradshaw Lane or by the telephone box in Eagland Hill. The birds can be difficult to see at long range from the road.
Other sites include the fields off Head Dyke Lane between Stalmine and Pilling, here too the birds can be at long range or viewed against the light. The area between Horse Park Lane and Cockerham Moss Edge, particularly after potato harvest, can attract flocks of birds. Please park carefully when viewing these fields.
The reclaimed marshes along the coast road between Fluke Hall and Cockerham are used by birds if sheep have been grazing the fields producing the short turf favoured by the birds.
Slightly further north, the fields west of the Cockerham-Lancaster road attract varying numbers of birds which can be viewed from the roads to Bank End or Cockersands.
As mentioned earlier, the opportunistic behaviour of the birds means they can be found on suitable feeding areas anywhere. In recent years birds have been seen at Gt. Eccleston, Staining, Weeton and Lytham Moss.
An easy way to see the birds is to watch for dawn and dusk roost flights over Pilling Lane Ends carpark. In favourable conditions, clear weather and no wind, the flocks fly directly over the car park providing a fine spectacle.
In most winters small numbers of White-fronted, Barnacle and Brent, with the occasional Bean Goose, are seen amongst the Pink-feet. Spotting these rarer species can be difficult amongst the larger flocks of birds. Use you car as a mobile hide, search the lanes Over Wyre and enjoy your wild goose chase! Latest news of sightings are announced at winter meetings of Fylde Bird Club.
Situated on the south bank of the Lune estuary between Cockerham and Cockersands Point.
Ac
Turn west off the A588, ½ mile north of Cockerham, down Hillam Lane and follow the road to Bank End Farm. Be aware that tides over 9.5 metres may cover the road. Limited parking is available near the farm, please take care not to block the farmer’s access. A public footpath to the west follows the shore to Cockersands.
Birds
A wader roost forms on the saltmarsh, higher tides fill the creeks and push the birds closer to the shore. Extreme tides force the birds off the marsh onto adjacent fields behind the sea wall.
Winter
Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Dunlin, Bar-tailed Godwit, Curlew and Redshank. Wildfowl include Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Pintail with smaller numbers of Great Crested Grebe, Goldeneye and Red-breasted Merganser.
Spring/
Large roosts of Dunlin are joined by Whimbrel, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank and Common Sandpiper. There are occasional influxes of Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper.
High tides that flood the marshes reveal a hidden population of Snipe that are sometimes joined by Jack Snipe.
The saltmarsh attract passerines including finches, Rock Pipit, Twite and Snow Bunting. Peregrine and Merlin are seen regularly in winter.
Migrants seen in the area include Wheatear, Whinchat, Yellow and Grey Wagtail.
The 1998 Pectoral Sandpiper was recorded here, see page 37.
The area would benefit from regular watching. Please submit sightings for our Bird Report.
Situated
on the south bank of the Lune estuary between Cockerham and Glasson Dock.
Access
Turn
west off the A588 opposite Thurnham Hall, parking is available on the river bank
near the old Lighthouse, there is a public footpath along the shore.
Birds
A
Wader roost forms on Plover Scar at Cockersands Light. Tides higher then 9
metres can cover the roost and the birds often resort to the fields around the
abbey.
Winter
Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover and Turnstone. Wildfowl seen include a Wigeon roost between the Lighthouse and Bank End, small parties of Goldeneye and Red Breasted Merganser are frequently seen with occasional Eider and Scaup. Rarities have included Great Northern Diver, Red-necked Grebe and Smew.
Spring/Autumn
Large roosts of Dunlin and Sanderling are joined by a few Whimbrel, Greenshank and Spotted Redshank. In some recent Autumns, a roost of Little Terns has been recorded.
The
saltmarshes attract passerines including Finches, Rock Pipit, Twite and Snow
Buntings. Raptors are seen frequently, mainly Peregrine, Merlin and Sparrowhawk
but Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl have been recorded.
The fields around the Abbey can attract large flocks of Lapwing, Golden Plover, Curlew and Redshank. In recent winters up to 2,000 Pink-footed Geese have been recorded. A drive along the side roads can be very rewarding. In November 1998 a Lapland Bunting was found in a stubble field here, see page 87.
The
area also attracts migrants, Yellow Wagtail, Wheatear and Whinchat are seen in
Spring and Autumn. Visible migration can be observed and usually involves
numerous Finches and Pipits. Autumn gales push sea birds into the estuary and
Leach’s Petrel, Great and Arctic Skua, Kittiwake, Terns and Auks are seen.
Rarities have included Long-tailed Skua and Sabine’s Gull. Records of migrants
and counts of commoner Waders and Wildfowl would be welcomed by our recorder.
One
of the best birdwatching sites in our area, Lane Ends is situated on the Lune
estuary at the southern end of Morecambe Bay.
Access
A
large car park just off the A588 at SD414495 serves the area and the birds can
be viewed from the car park or along the path west of the car park. Observers
should take care not to disturb high tide wader roosts.
Pilling water walk west from the CP to reach this spot
Birds
The
site is best visited two to three hours before high water on tides exceeding
nine metres.
Winter
The
huge wader and wildfowl roosts hold large numbers of Oystercatcher,
Lapwing, Knott, Dunlin, Curlew and Redshank with smaller flocks of Grey Plover,
Golden Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit. Waterfowl
include Pink-footed Goose, Shelduck, Mallard, Teal and Wigeon with small
numbers of Great Crested Grebe, Brent Goose, Pintail, Goldeneye and Red-breasted
Merganser. The saltmarshes hold large flocks of finches, pipits and skylarks
with occasional Twite and Snow Bunting. All these birds attract raptors and two
or three Peregrines are often seen hunting the waders. Sparrowhawk and Merlin
are often seen, with Short-eared Owl appearing in some winters. During very high
tides the waders resort to the reclaimed marshes by the A588 and good views can
be had from a car.
Spring/autumn
Spring
and autumn migration periods bring varying numbers of Golden Plover, Little
Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Whimbrel, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank, Green
Sandpiper and Common Sandpiper. Not surprisingly a number of rare waders have
been recorded including Avocet, Dotterel, Pacific Golden Plover, Pectoral
Sandpiper, Buff-breasted Sandpiper and Collared Pratincole.
The
whole area, including the pools and planted areas around the car parks, attracts
many migrants. The embankment is a good vantage point to observe visible
migration particularly in autumn when large scale movements can be seen. The
most frequent migrants are Meadow Pipit, Wheatear, Whinchat, Willow Warbler,
Chiffchaff, Goldcrest, larks and wagtails. Rarer species reported in recent
years include Marsh Harrier, Osprey, Glossy Ibis, Richard’s Pipit, Lapland
Bunting and Long-tailed Skua.
Records
of migration and counts of commoner waders and wildfowl would be useful for our
annual Fylde Bird Club Report.
MARTON MERE LOCAL NATURE RESERVE
The
Mere occupies one of only two kettleholes in north west England, formed at the
end of the last Ice Age and the scrub and grassland cover a former rubbish tip.
Around 200 species of birds have been recorded, over 130 annually. The site,
which is an SSSI, is owned and run by Blackpool Borough Council.
Access
Marton
Mere is situated on the east side of Blackpool. From the M55 Junction 4 follow
signs for the Zoo. Park at the Zoo car park or on Lawson Road off East Park
Drive. Follow the tracks to the east, adjacent to the De Vere Hotel and golf
course. An Information Centre is sited at the western edge of the reserve.
Birds
From
the Information Centre area through the northern section of the Reserve there
are scrub and grassland habitats. Short-eared Owls and Barn Owls use these areas
for hunting throughout most winters. Warblers pass through in spring and
sightings of Cuckoo, Redstart and Ring Ouzel are also possible. Breeding birds
include Lesser Whitethroat, Whitethroat and Linnet. Autumn fruits attract good
numbers of migrant thrushes. Also at this time flocks of Goldfinches and
Long-tailed Tits roam the area.
Two
hides are situated on the north shore of the Mere. The reedbeds support Water
Rails in winter, which are seen mostly during icy conditions, and at least one
Bittern is usually present. Sedge Warblers and Reed Warblers arrive in Spring to
breed in good numbers, alongside small numbers of Reed Buntings. From the larger
hide look into the scrape to your left for the possibility of spring Garganey or
passage waders.
Continuing
clockwise around the Mere, the reedbeds and drier areas of the north east
corner, and along the embankment, have more breeding warblers, including
Grasshopper Warbler. Another scrape can be viewed from this area, which also
attracts passage waders.
Look
in the fields to the east for Wheatears, Whinchats, Wagtails and displaying
Lapwings in the spring and to the barn roofs for Little Owl. Below the
embankment a pair of Stonechats
usually spend the winter. This is also a good area for Peregrine and Merlin,
mainly in late summer and autumn. The dyke is a good place to look for herons,
ducks and Water Rail (in winter).
A
new hide built by the Fylde Bird Club on the south bank provides a good vantage
point over the water. Great Crested Grebe and Mute Swans are present all year.
From late autumn to late winter large numbers of ducks are present, especially
Teal, Shoveler and Tufted Duck, and up to 14 species can be seen some days. In
winter Bitterns are best viewed from this side, late in the afternoon as they go
to roost, and Bewick Swans are now using the Reserve as a roost site in mid
winter. Hundreds of gulls come in to bathe and these are worth scanning through
for rarer species, especially Mediterranean Gulls which are seen from late
winter to mid spring. During the spring period Little Gull, Common Tern and
Black Tern can occur. Late summer brings about a build up in Coot numbers and
roosting Starlings. Sand Martin and Swallow roosts can number thousands,
attracting raptors.
The
kissing gate in the south west corner leads back to the Information Centre. On
the right another hide overlooks the feeding area where finches, tits, thrushes,
Dunnock and Reed Bunting can be viewed. The scrub and alders may attract
Goldcrests, Siskins and Redpolls in autumn and winter with passage warblers and
Spotted Flycatchers in spring. The wet field immediately west attracts Grey
Partridge, pipits, wagtails, Whinchat and Wheatear.
Whilst
on a visit in winter listen for skeins of Pink-footed geese flying over and in
spring variable numbers of Whimbrel. There are occasional records of rarer
grebes, Smew, migrant Ospreys and Marsh Harrier, Spotted Crake, Ring-billed
Gull, Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, Kingfisher and Bearded Tit.
Rarities
have included American Bittern, Little Bittern, Night Heron, Montagu’s
Harrier, rarer Crakes, Lesser Yellowlegs, White-winged Black Tern, Whiskered
Tern, Collared Pratincole, Hoopoe, Wryneck, Cetti’s Warbler, Savi’s Warbler
and Great Grey Shrike.
An area of grazed freshwater marsh with pools.
Access
Viewable from the minor road off the main A584 from Preston to Freckleton at SD 456292. Turn down the road at the traffic lights near to the petrol station. Park on the grass between the white bollards and the fence. Stay in the car to avoid flushing the birds and scan the pools and surrounding fields.
Birds
Wintering wildfowl include Wigeon grazing on the
fields, Teal, Mallard, Shelduck, rarely Shoveler and Pintail, Mute Swan,
occasionally Whooper and Bewick’s Swans. Lapwing and Golden Plover in
impressively large mixed flocks, Curlew, Snipe, Redshank, occasionally Ruff.
Peregrines can sometimes be seen sitting on the electricity pylons. In spring
four figure counts of Black-tailed Godwits may be seen on passage and Yellow
Wagtails can be seen most years. Other passage waders regularly include Common
Sandpiper, Little Ringed Plover, Green Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Greenshank
and occasionally Wood Sandpiper. Little Grebes have bred here as well as good
numbers of Lapwing and Redshank out on the marsh. Other rarer birds seen include
Spoonbill, Garganey, Green Sandpiper, Marsh Harrier, Temminck’s Stint,
Long-billed Dowitcher and Citrine Wagtail.
Further
down the road on the right is an old tip which regularly has Kestrel’s hunting
over it and this is also a good place to see Grey Partridge and Corn Bunting.
Access
From Preston Old Road in Freckleton, take Naze Lane East as far as the entrance to Freckleton Boat Yard (SD 434283). Park here, outside the gates, and take the footpath along the wooded embankment down to the River Ribble. In Spring listen out for Lesser Whitethroats singing from the Hawthorns down there. After passing several houses the path emerges onto the top of a banking overlooking the ‘creek’ and, more importantly, the Naze Pool.
Birds
Best viewed with a telescope,
this area holds good numbers of wildfowl and waders at the right time of year
including Shelduck, Teal and Black-tailed Godwits. Return wader passage in late
summer can bring summer plumaged Spotted Redshank and Greenshank. Little Egrets
have become almost annual visitors to this site in recent summers and Spoonbills
have put in a number of appearances. There is also a slim chance of encountering
a passage Marsh Harrier here, as this site accounts for most of the Fylde’s
records. This is one of the Fylde’s last strongholds for Cuckoo, which is
usually reliable in early May. Garganey and Yellow Wagtail are also possible in
spring. The fields behind the pool often have Whooper, Bewick’s and Mute swans
grazing in the winter months. Flocks of Golden Plover, Lapwing and Curlew can
also be seen here.
Carry on from this point further downstream and view the pool from a second vantage point at a break in the bushes, this second perspective can often reveal birds not seen from the first point.
Shortly
after this point the path leaves the edge of the wood to negotiate a large
house. Small flocks of Tree Sparrows can be seen along the fence and surrounding
bushes here and Stock Doves are usually present in the trees. Follow the path
across a field down a hedge side, then drop down the
banking to reach the banks of the River Ribble. The state of the tide
will determine what you can see from here. Low tide reveals the training wall
and areas of mud which are good for feeding waders on passage (Ringed Plover,
Dunlin) and dabbling Shelduck. High tides in summer allow good views of terns
(Common and a few Arctic) fishing in the river and up Freckleton creek. There is
also a large roost of Cormorants on the confluence of the rivers Douglas and
Ribble. In winter it is worth checking the large trees washed up onto the marsh
opposite for roosting Peregrines.
Rossall
Point forms the southern boundary of Morecambe Bay, and the whole area provides
year round interest for the birdwatcher.
Access
Watch
from the Promenade or follow the footpath along the edge of Fleetwood Golf
Course. Note – please do not stray onto the Golf Course. Ample parking is
available at car parks, opposite Rossall Hospital, north end of Fleetwood Golf
Course and Marine Hall, Fleetwood.
Birds
A
high tide wader roost forms near the Coast Guard Station, the birds can be
disturbed by people and they often resort to the island on the nearby boating
lake. A large flock of Eider, often exceeding 1,000 birds can be seen offshore.
Winter
Small numbers of Red-throated Diver, Great Crested Grebe, Eider, Goldeneye and
Red–breasted Merganser can be seen offshore. The wader roost will include
varying numbers of Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Sanderling, Dunlin, Redshank,
Turnstone and occasionally one or two Purple Sandpipers. In most winters a few
Twite or Snow Bunting can be seen on Fleetwood Beach. The boating lakes are an
important winter site for Mute Swan and small numbers of Goldeneye and
Red-breasted Merganser also visit the lakes.
Spring/autumn
Migration periods
bring large parties of Sanderling, Ringed Plover and Dunlin to the shore with
smaller numbers of Grey Plover, Knot and Bar-tailed Godwit. Sea birds including
Fulmar, Gannet, Manx Shearwater, Arctic and Great Skuas, and Terns can be seen
offshore.
In
autumn south-west gales drive Leach’s Petrels inshore, often over the beach in
severe gales. The Promenade is a good vantage point to watch daytime migrants
such as Swallows, Martins, Pipits, Wagtails and Finches moving north or south
depending on the season.
The
fields around Rossall School, or the edge of the Golf Course, attract migrants
and early morning visits can produce Wheatear, Whinchat, Pipits and Wagtails
with occasional Ring Ouzel or Black Redstart.
The
area has attracted several rare birds over the years. Recent rarities have
included Great Northern Diver, Red-necked Grebe, Pomarine Skua, Iceland,
Glaucous and Ross’s Gulls, Richard’s Pipit, Desert Wheatear and Kentish
Plover.
Skippool is the widest part of the Wyre estuary, lying immediately west of Shard Bridge.
Access
The area can be viewed from Wyre Road, Skippool and the public footpath between Old Mains Lane and Shard Bridge. The east side of the river can be viewed from the public footpath between Shard Bridge and Saltmarsh Lane, Hambleton. The car park of the Wardley’s Hotel overlooks the upper part of Skippool.
The
mudflats and south banks provide a feeding area and nocturnal roost for waders
and wildfowl. The best times to visit are at two hours before high tide or one hour after high tide to low
water.
Winter
Large flocks of Lapwing, Curlew and Redshank are joined by Dunlin, Ringed
Plover and Black-tailed Godwit. Shelduck are the commonest of the wildfowl with
a few Mallard and Teal.
Spring/autumn
Spring
and autumn migration brings varying numbers of Ringed Plover, Dunlin,
Black-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Spotted Redshank and Common Sandpiper. In some
autumns parties of Little Stint and Curlew Sandpiper are seen with occasional
Ruff and Whimbrel.
The
large gull roosts sometimes contain rarer species: Mediterranean, Glaucous and
Ring-billed Gull have been recorded. Other rarities have included Avocet, Little
Egret and Smew.
The
saltmarshes attract flocks of finches and skylarks with smaller numbers of
pipits and wagtails. These are best seen on high tides from the footpath leading
south from Hambleton. Choose a very high tide, arrive early and watch for the
birds as they are moved by the incoming tide. Water Pipits are often seen
amongst the Rock Pipits, and Jack Snipe often accompany the Common Snipe.
The
whole area attracts raptors. Peregrine, Merlin and Sparrowhawk are seen
regularly during most winters.
This area would benefit from increased visits by birdwatchers particularly during migration seasons.
Stanah is the local name for the west side of the Wyre Estuary between Thornton and Skippool.
Access
The whole area can be viewed from the riverside paths between Stanah and Skippool. The car parks at Stanah overlook the widest part of the estuary.
Birds
The mudflats provide good feeding for the flocks of waders that roost in the highest parts of the estuary. The best time to visit is from one hour after high tide, this part of the estuary is the first feeding ground exposed as the tide ebbs.
Winter
In winter large flocks of Lapwing, Golden Plover and Redshank are joined by varying numbers of Dunlin, Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit. A period of hard weather can bring influxes of Lapwing and Golden Plover from the east.
Spring/autumn
Spring and autumn migrations bring parties of Ringed Plover, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit and smaller numbers of Greenshank, Spotted Redshank, Ruff, Whimbrel and Common Sandpiper.
Rarities seen here include Avocet and little Egret. There are ocassional autumn influxes of Curlew Sandpiper and little Stint.
The saltmarshes hold parties of Skylark, finches, pipits and wagtails, these are best seen when the tide floods the marshes.
The whole area attracts birds of prey. Peregrine, Merlin and Sparrowhawk are seen in winter. The planted areas at Stanah and the riverside hedgerows attract passerine migrants, particularly autumn thrushes. Breeding birds include Reed and Sedge Warbler, Common and Lesser Whitethroat and Willow Warbler.
Please report your sightings to the Visitor Centre, Stanah.
Go to this site's own website via this link
http://www.quarry.fslife.co.uk