LANCS: Flaming June.

Travelled out for the last (planned, at least) visit for the foreseeable future to Bowland Knotts this morning. I must admit it's not my favourite bit of Bowland (hope I haven't offended any of those patch-working Bowland birders). It's a long way from Preston and I haven't seen too much out there. But one thing it has got going for it is Skylarks. I like Skylarks - cheerful little blighters that just seem to be so happy they have to get high in the air and sing their hearts out. Strangely scarce on my survey squares west of Slaidburn, there seems to be more in the cushion bog dominated terrain above Stock Reservoir. Green Woodpecker was the only noteworthy bird for me on the moor, with Nuthatch singing as I trudged back to the car along the road.


I decided to take the route through the Trough of Bowland on the way home and stopped off at Tower Lodge. It took me about ten minutes to find a Golden-ringed Dragonfly as well as a Spotted Flycatcher and a few Grey Wags with recently fledged young. Wish I'd had a bit more time here but there'll be other opportunities I hope.
Gavin Haig recently commented that "June is rubbish" in a recent post on his excellent blog 'Not Quite Scilly'. This provoked a bit of discussion (none of it at all contentious) including a response outlining an excellent day in the field for a couple of observers tallying a number of scarce birds in a single June day. Gav capitulated a little, admitting June could be OK for rarities but generally birding (ie. patch-working or "on-speck" excursions) was a bit "rubbish". Without thinking, I immediately agreed but then thought about my recent experiences, giving me so much pleasure - all in June. So, it's all relative isn't it? The less you have to choose from (there are fewer species out on the moors than say, coastal marshes), the lower your expectations I suppose. Low expectations - wallowing in mediocrity? Me? Nah - bring on July!

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