The Main Pool at Brockholes Quarry near Preston, Lancashire.
Drake Garganey and Tufted Duck, Brockholes Quarry 25 April 2009.Not really had much time for any meaningful migrant hunting this Spring with the demands of fieldwork in Bowland so a quick look in at Brockholes Quarry was welcome this evening. It will always be "the quarry" to me despite the efforts of the Lancs Wildlife Trust to rename it as Brockholes Wetland. Away it's not open to the public just yet but viewing of the Whimbrel roost (currently standing at around 160+) is arranged most evenings from late April to early May.
Avocets are not that rare in Lancs nowadays but a couple of birds at the quarry this weekend were first site records. The presence of a drake Garganey the following day was the catalyst for a long-overdue visit to the quarry where despite the efforts of some dog-walkers (are all reserves destined to be major attractions for this?), the Avocets were still around. I must admit to paying more attention to the Garganey (aren't drakes something else?) and it was good to see Green Sandpiper and the first Whimbrel arriving at the roost too.
The wildlife trust has completed some good reserve management work of late, and with the lower water-levels this year the site looks attractive once again. Let's hope this theme continues and folks come to the reserve when it opens because of the wealth of wildlife on show.
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