pennington flash

[heskin]

This place is local to me but I have only visited it about 4 or 5 times.I was wondering what the more unusual species that I may see here would be?

The last time I visited the information centre did not have much info on the birds!

[James M]

Don't know much sorry but when I went last I saw a Great-crested Grebe.

[rlchew]

I live down in Essex so my visits are few and far between .... normally when I am up for the football at Old Trafford.

The "Bunting Hide" (?) always seems very good for species at the feeding staion during the winter months including more uncommon birds such as Willow Tit, Bullfinch and Water Rail plus loads of the commoner species.

I also seem to recall seeing Little Ringed Plover in April/May one year and a flock of Goosander in January one year from the "Horrocks Hide" (?).

Unfortunately I can not help with what you are likely to see currently.

This may help .... Leigh Ornithological Society

I also seem to recall that PMG (Pauline) works/worked at Pennington Flash .... she may be able to help you too.

Richard

[John]

I have been a few times and anything can turn up there. It is a big expanse of water with plenty of places for birds to get lost in.

It used to guarantee you seeing a Long Eared Owl for a while but I'm not sure if it still does. I have had a Canvasback there and Black Grebes as well as a few other birds so it is well worth a visit if your in that area.

It can get very busy at times so bear that in mind.

John

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by John

I have been a few times and anything can turn up there. It is a big expanse of water with plenty of places for birds to get lost in.

It used to guarantee you seeing a Long Eared Owl for a while but I'm not sure if it still does. I have had a Canvasback there and Black Grebes as well as a few other birds so it is well worth a visit if your in that area.

It can get very busy at times so bear that in mind.

John

I've been there once + remember seeing a Long-eared Owl. It was some years back- whenever the Black-faced Bunting was there, which must be about the rarest bird recorded there, though Canvasback must come close- only seen the one in Norfolk at Welney + the beet factory.

[John]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

I've been there once + remember seeing a Long-eared Owl. It was some years back- whenever the Black-faced Bunting was there, which must be about the rarest bird recorded there, though Canvasback must come close- only seen the one in Norfolk at Welney + the beet factory.

I saw the Welney one too. I got there late on the day on 12/12/1997 and Bill Oddie was there filming and he put me onto it amongst about 6,000 Pochards.

I have also saw the one that was at Abberton Reservoir on 11/12/1999. The Pennington Flash one was out of context date wise as I saw it on 23/07/2002, so could we be due another one somewhere?

John

[heskin]

Where are the long-eared owl likely to be sen there? anyone know

[ChrisJB]

Regarding the Long Eared Owls, I can't remember exactly, but from one of the hides. It looks across a pool I think, to some thick scrub. They used to roost in there. Any of the regular birders you might meet there will be more exact I expect.

There was a Whiskered Tern a few years back as well.

Be careful if you are planning some dusk visits, the area has a reputation for unsavoury characters,

Regards, Chris

[heskin]

never seen a long-eared owl.Any other places in N/W England they can be seen?

[John]

Originally Posted by heskin

never seen a long-eared owl.Any other places in N/W England they can be seen?

There are quite a few places but usually you have to be in the know to find out.

Currently there is one showing well at Belvide Reservoir, near Wolverhampton but you have to a permit holder to get in (West Midland Bird Club).

John