Blog Archives

Holmes, Mere Brow

30/7/2018

Venue: Holmes, Mere Brow
Date: Momday 30th July 2018
Weather: Warm, Sunny
Leader: Graham Thomas, John Wilson
Party Number: 15

It was a beautiful balmy evening, when 15 people gathered to wander through the arable fields, close to Holmeswood. As it was our member, John Finnan’s, bird recording patch, he was asked to take the lead, in the hope of seeing some owls. Sure enough the whole group were treated to excellent extended views of Little Owl and Barn Owl.

Moth Identification Workshop

28/7/2018

On Saturday 28th July the Society held a moth identification workshop. The morning was once again hosted by Brian and Val Woodruffe who welcomed 13 people to the event and kindly provided light refreshments.
Former member Liz Brotherstone travelled up from her home in Devon to lead the workshop and Committee member Len Knowles contributed his expertise to help Liz with identifying the 197 moths which we were able to recover from the traps.
Three moth traps had been set on the Friday evening and fortunately the weather was calm enough to allow for plenty of activity. We identified 41 different species and enjoyed close up and personal viewings using the Society’s magnifying specimen pots.
Many of the common species were identified, 46 Common Rustics and 26 Large Yellow Underwing but it was also pleasing to find 5 Copper Underwing and the Lesser Yellow and Least Yellow Underwing and the Lesser Broad Boardered Yellow Underwing.
The Large Ear was a new one for me and although we had an Early Thorn, my favourite, the Canary Shouldered Thorn was not present on this occasion.
We thank all those who supported this event and it was good to see Rosie (6yrs) enjoying using the magnifiers to watch the moths.
Please remember that the moth traps, specimen pots and ID Books/cards are available for members to borrow. Anyone wanting to host a moth event or just to try out for themselves can make a request by contacting the Society or any Committee Member who will give assistance.

Hoghton

23/7/2018

Venue: Hoghton
Date: Monday 23rd July 2018
Weather: Warm
Leader: Graham Thomas/John Wilson
Party Number: 16

This walk venue has had to be changed from Horden Pasture due to the recent fires on Winter Hill.
A party of 15 that soon became 16 set off from the layby opposite The Hoghon Arms on the A674. They walked up the main road to a bend where a stile was found to the left. Passed through several fields and watched a young Buzzard flying around crying and looking for the adult to feed it. Continued along a wall to the A675 and crossed it to walk up track the access to Stanworth Farm.
Looked at a large barn that had been converted. The last time we had walked past this is was an old barn and the gable end was full of cracks and holes that was the home to several pairs of House Martins. Now the wall had been refurbished and hence no holes.
Passed around the house. This is a 17th Cent farmhouse and had a date of 1632 over the door. The last time we had passed we were invited in to see what they were doing to renovate it. I was trying to point out a few features and they spotted us.
Descended down the field to a diversion due to the M65. In the past the path went north and down to the canal. Now the divesion passes under the Motorway then back up the opposite side.
Descended to the canal and walked to the A674 were we climbed some old steps to the road and followed it to the Motorway junction then back to the cars. It was virtually dusk now so were glad to see them.
Retired to The Hoghton Arms for a well deserved drink.
The walk had taken 3 hours and was too long.

River Ribble, Howick Cross Lane

16/7/2018

Venue: Howick Cross Lane
Date: Monday 16th July 2018
Weather: Fine
Leader: Graham Thomas/John Wilson
Party Number:

The party set off from the usual spot and walked around the track to the left then through wood to Ribble. Walked along the river then returned via a track back to the cars.

Leyland Moss

9/7/2018

Venue: Leyland/Farington Mosses
Date: Monday 9th July2018
Weather: Fine Warm
Leader: Graham Thomas
Party Number: 20

The Preston Society met on an old section of Longmeanygate adjacent to Cocker Lane. It was a lovely summer's evening and the party of 20 set off along Hugh Lane then through Hugh House farm and along track to Farington Moss by the side of Leyland Moss.
Followed the tracks around the fields of growing crops which has always been the home of many bird species.
Several Corn Buntings were heard then seen perched on stalks or flying around.
Walked around in a square to return to track leading back to the farm then retraced steps back to the cars.
Some of the group retired to The Dunkirk Hall PH after a very satisfying evening bird watching.

Altham, River Calder

2/7/2018

Venue: Altham
Date: Monday 2nd July 2018
Weather: Very warm
Leader: Graham Thomas/John Wilson
Party Number:

A small party met at The Walton Arms then walked down the road to the bridge over the River Calder. Walked along the river to a bend then returned. Some of the party ventured over the the right and into a wood and saw a lot more that the group. Returned and drover to Clayton Le Moors and had a relaxing drink in a local pub.

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