A couple of weeks ago an Iberian Chiffchaff was heard and seen well at Pilling Lane Ends N.R. in Lancashire. We decided, as we all needed to have a good look & listen at this fairly recently split species, to have a look for ourselves. A leisurely start at 8am from Norden soon had us on our way on a reasonable morning weather wise. We reached Pilling Lane Ends and walked into a small wooden area, lots of birds were singing then a strange sounding Chiffchaff was heard, it was the Iberian Chiffchaff. The bird was seen and gave fairly good views, with a bit of patience, we all enjoyed what we had seen and heard.
With the chance of catching up with Small Blue butterflies, that most of us have not seen yet, we made our way to the outskirts of Barrow in Furness to visit the quaintly named Ormsgill Slags After a very fruitless but enjoyable search no Small Blues were seen, but the scenery was very nice.
We called in at Latterbarrow N.R. and as the sun was shining a decent array of butterflies were noted: - Northern Brown Argus, Brimstone, Small Pearl Bordered Fritillary, Common Blue, Green Veined White and a few orchids were seen. At Foulshaw Moss N.R. distant views of the Ospreys were enjoyed along with a few Tree Pipit, Siskin, and Great Spotted Woodpecker. Our final call was to be back in Rossendale were a Spotted Flycatcher was seen carrying food, a nice way to end a good late spring days birding.
