Owen and I spent a rewarding day birding in Lancashire, encountering some excellent species along the way. We started at Upper Thurnham at first light, where our main objective was the Tundra Bean Goose that had been present in the area over the past few days. After scanning through thousands of Pink-footed Geese, we finally relocated the bird, enjoying prolonged and satisfying views.
Tundra Bean Goose
Owen scoping through hundreds of geese.
With our goose tick secured, we headed south to Hesketh Marsh RSPB, taking a stroll along the marshes. Fields nearby held Whooper Swans in good numbers, and a Great White Egret and Grey Heron added to the scenic winter tableau.
Whooper swans were in good numbers.
Great white egret and Grey Heron
Focusing on the pools, we soon located our next target, the Spotted Redshank. Two birds foraged together, providing excellent views of this scarce winter wader, which is declining in parts of Europe.
Always nice to catch up with this scarce winter wader, which is declining in parts of Europe.
A short drive brought us to Crossens Marshes, where we hoped to add Water Pipit and Spoonbill to our day list. High tide had brought two Spoonbills into the roost on the marsh, while the Water Pipit took a little longer to find.
Two Spoonbills were roosting on the marsh over high tide.
After scanning through a group of Meadow Pipits and investigating the water butts, we finally located the bird, which gave good views before being flushed. Other notable species on the reserves included a single White-fronted Goose among the Pink-footed Geese and a solitary Avocet on the outer marsh — my first of the year.
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My first Avocet of the year
It was a highly satisfying day, adding several quality year ticks and showcasing the diversity of Lancashire’s winter wetlands.