YOC trip to Arnside and Silverdale

18 of us crossed the border into Lancashire for the trip (I know, it’s tough, but somebody has to risk it).

The weather varied between glorious (Friday and Sunday) and on the grim side (Saturday). We took in Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Brockholes reserve on the way over on Friday, and the Hest Bank Wader roost that evening. Saturday we were all day at Leighton Moss, calling again briefly at Hest Bank on the way back. Sunday we were able to check out Morecambe Bay from Morecambe promenade before breakfast and then did Leighton again until mid-morning, followed by the Kent Estuary at Arnside and Arnside Knott.

In total we had 92 species (including Feral pigeon which I was instructed to include despite my better judgement), although as usual not everybody saw everything.

Highlights and Lowlights included:
Bittern an Kingfisher (almost the first two birds) at Brockholes.
A good variety of waders (including both Bar- and Black-tailed godwits) at Hest Bank, but a feeble high tide and stupid dog walkers meant numbers were very low and disappointing,
Good movements of mixed Fieldfare and Redwing flocks on Saturday and Sunday
Great views of a singing Cetti’s warbler at Leighton Moss
Fleeting views of Bearded tits on Saturday at Leighton, followed by stunning views on Sunday
Marsh harrier at Leighton
Fabulous views of a couple of Otters at Leighton which some of us watched for 45 minutes; probably a female and (a much smaller) youngster, which mum (if it was mum) appearing to be teaching the smaller one to catch fish. Twice she appeared with fish in her mouth, dived next to the youngster, resurfaced without the fish (which she appeared to have dropped for the smaller one), all accompanied by play. It was the longest views of otters I have ever had in England.
Mixed flock of Siskins, Redpolls and Godfinches at Leighton
Chiffchaff at Leighton
Great white egret at Leighton
Peregrine causing panic at Leighton
But totally dipped out on Purple heron at Leighton, despite super-human patience by some of us.
3 Ravens at Arnside.

John Lawton