FLORA / BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS / OTHER INVERTEBRATES / BIRDS

The reserve supports several bird species that are of conservation concern in a National context.

Several pairs of Skylark breed on the reserve, on the adjacent Golf course and the Airfield. Between two and four pairs of Linnet nest in the tussocks of Marram Grass. About six pairs of Meadow Pipit breed with others on the coastal dunes.

Two or three pairs of Reed Bunting bred until 1997. An over-abundance of rabbits may have reduced the rough grass area where this species nested.

Up to six song thrushes have been regular winter visitors in recent years and the Snipe is a regular visitor to the large slack.

The following birds make up the regular breeding species, wintering birds and migrants. A pair of Shelduck regularly visit in spring to search for a suitable rabbit burrow in which to nest. Varying numbers of Mallard visit the big slack and most years one or two pairs breed. A pair of Moorhen regularly nest. Sparrowhawks are regular hunters through the reserve and Kestrels are frequent and have bred on the old Blackburn and District Home across from the Visitors Centre. Grey Partridge bred in 1984, 1988 and 1990.

Jack Snipe, smaller and scarcer than it's relative the Snipe, are fairly regular in small numbers in spring, autumn and sometimes in winter.

Several Wren and Robin spend the winter on the reserve. Wheatear pass through in good numbers mid-March to late May and July to September. Whinchat are scarce spring and autumn migrants. The Stonechat used to be an important nesting bird with up to three pairs in the 1970's, two in the 1980's but last bred in 1989.

A few migrant Stonechats still occur. One or two pairs of Blackbird breed and Mistle Thrushes are sometimes recorded in winter.

The Whitethroat has bred and Sedge Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff and Willow Warbler occur as migrants as do Goldcrests. Lesser Whitethroat are scarce but one was present in December 1998, a unique Lancashire event.

Up to two pair of Magpie breed and flocks of Starlings, adult and juveniles, feed on the reserve, especially in May - June. Small flocks of Goldfinches feed on the reserve especially in late summer and autumn, with odd birds at any time of the year. Greenfinch are regular visitors.

Many small birds overfly the reserve on fine autumn mornings.

A number of rarities have been recorded since 1982. These include Marsh Harrier, Osprey, Black Redstart, (several) Subalpine Warbler, Barred Warbler, Firecrest (two) and Lapland Bunting (several).

Hoopoe photograph courtesy of Chris Batty

FLORA / BUTTERFLIES & MOTHS / OTHER INVERTEBRATES / BIRDS