A sharp frost overnight slightly held up mine and Bob K`s departure from Whitworth, picking up Craig B in Rawtenstall and heading over Grane. Our plan was to try to see the Hawfinches in the Eaves Wood area that had been seen the day before. We called at Conder Green, Pine Lake and headed for Gait Barrows, we had a nice walk around as the sun came out but it was a bit chilly, the Hawfinches were not heard or seen!
We headed for Leighton Moss which was rather busy and no room on the carpark for us, the female Ring necked Duck from Lillian`s Hide was seen along with some very smart Pintail ducks. A Marsh Harrier was patrolling the marshes looking for its breakfast. We called at the feeding station were a close Marsh Tit was seen, a walk along the boardwalk towards the public causeway revealed a further 3 Marsh Tit`s. One of my silly comments came out saying We wont see any Bearded Tits near the grit trays but of course I was wrong! They were heard, then seen fairly close up in the middle of the day, quite a nice treat for us that. At the public hide a couple of Great White Egret`s were seen then a distant Otter was seen swimming across the width of the lake, another nice treat for us all. News of a juvenile or 1st winter Russian White fronted Goose nearby was acted upon and good views of this species were had as it fed along with some Pink footed Geese.
We moved south onto the Fylde area firstly Bradshaw Lane and Eagland Hill and were treated to a large flock of Yellowhammer`s. Then around 50 plus Corn Bunting flew onto the same hedge as the Yellowhammer`s how lucky we were to be at the right place at the right time! A large flock of Pink footed Geese were seen on Head Dyke Lane in Pilling and the news was that about 10 Russian White fronted Geese were amongst this flock, we had about 30 minutes finding and enjoying these geese as the cold intensified and we made our way home after a really good days birding was had.
Other species of note: - Barnacle Geese, Bittern, Water Rail, Ruff, Green Woodpecker.
