RSPB Middleton Lakes :: 24 October 2011

First day of the School Half Term holidays and off we went to RSPB Middleton Lakes. A dry day but on arrival it was obvious that the wind was stronger than when we had left home. Talking to the volunteers at the POD, we were informed that it was quiet on the reserve due to the elements. Undeterred, we set off down the Woodland Walk and onto the lakes. Step-by-step we came across groups of birds which edged up our species count for the day. It wasn't until we made the turn for home though that a large flock of linnet (circ. 200) raised the heart beat, alongside a pair of little egret on the wing. The flock also contained a number of goldfinches.

Other small birds flew around the edges of the display: a few meadow pipit; reed bunting. Nice to see some activity despite the wind. There was some late excitement from the kids when we passed the feeder near the heronry boardwalk. The arrival and departure of a great spotted woodpecker was a nice finish to the visit.

The species count for the day was 39, including: woodpigeon, carrion crow, rook, blue tit, great tit, greenfinch, house sparrow, robin, dunnock, buzzard, raven, canada goose, coot, mallard, wigeon, mute swan, tufted duck, lapwing, shoveler, magpie, teal, moorhen, gadwall, cormorant, great crested grebe, lesser black backed gull, linnet, meadow pipit, goldfinch, reed bunting, grey heron, little egret, black headed gull, starling, chaffinch, pheasant, fieldfare, wren and great spotted woodpecker.

Onto the "Wing Wah" Chinese Restaurant for dinner - I think we have eaten too much!