Blog Posts

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.

Priory Meadow

30/6/2018

Saturday 30 June - Guided walk around Priory Meadow

A group of 20 Society members braved the hot weather and met at the entrance to Priory Meadow. Geoff Wilkinson of PENCON (Penwortham Conservation) gave us a brief introduction to the development of the site, the work carried out by volunteers and details of species that were likely to be seen on our walk.
Our first sighting was of two young kestrels, who had flown the nest the previous day. They could be seen practicing their flying and hovering skills and were in beautiful, pristine condition.
Geoff then guided us around the reserve, looking in ponds, woods and in long meadow grass. We saw a range of species, listed below:

Abbey Village

25/6/2018

Venue: Abbey Village New Lodge Resr
Date: Monday 25th June 2018
Weather: Very Warm
Leader: Graham Thomas/John Wilson
Party Number: 14

A party of 14 set off from the parking on Doles Lane and walked across road past the Pub and down track towards Red Lee Farm but after crossing the stream via a footbridge we climbed then off to the left across fields. Walked around New Lodge Res’r then up to Bradley Farm. Turned right and returned via the Witton Weavers Way then retraced steps to Abbey Village.

Plough at Eaves Public House, Cuddy Hill

23/6/2018

Venue: Cuddy Hill
Date: Saturday 23rd June 2018
Weather: Very Warm
Leader: Graham Thomas
Party Number: 3

The Preston Society Field trip from Cuddly Hill consisted of only three people and on such a beautiful day.
Set off from The Plough at Eaves just after 10.00am and walked through the hamlet going right then sweeping around to the south. Found a path that eventually crossed New Mill Brook then continued south to Bell Fold Farm. Here we watched a Red Kite flying over us and drifting south. A great sight and Bird of the day.
This was just above the farm and quite low showing its russet red tail.
Looked in a small farm shop here at Bell Fold Farm selling home made produce. Spoke to the Farmer and his Wife.
Walked to The Lancaster Canal and followed it north. A few Sedge Warblers were singing in the Scrub and Reeds.
Left the Canal at Hankinson Bridge and walked west through the yard then north to Cross House farm.
At Bensons Lane walked north then a path on left took us through a beautiful garden.
Sat out the Plough with a well deserved drink after nearly 5 hours walking in the hot sun.

Croston Finney

18/6/2018

Venue: Croston Finney
Date: Monday 18th June 2018
Weather: Fine then Rain
Leader: Graham Thomas/John Wilson
Party Number: 16

A group of 16 met on Meadow Lane and walked onto Croston Finney. We walked around several tracks all with names to seek out the best habitats for wildlife. Started by locating a singing Yellow Bunting on top of a bush with its striking yellow head standing out.
Carried on and it started drizzling then stopped. Crossed the Railway and onto Finney Lane. At a junction heard a lot Blackbirds making such a racket in a hedge. That usually means a Cat or Owl is around. Suddenly a Tawny Owl flew out of the hedge being pursued by the birds then back in just as quick.
Also a Badger was seen crossing a field.
It started to rain so a hasty retreat was called for.
It had been a beautiful evening but what started as Drizzle turned into Rain
Some of the group retired to The Black Horse Croston to dry out.

Marles Wood, River Ribble

11/6/2018

Venue: Marles Wood
Date: Monday 11th June 2018
Weather: Warm Fine
Leader: Graham Thomas/John Wilson
Party Number: 18

A group of 18 met at Marles Wood car park and walked down through wood to view the River Ribble at the bend called Sale Wheel. This is one of the best places to study and learn Bird song.
Continued along the River to Dinkeley Bridge. It was still closed due to damage during a spate of very heavy weather.
Retraced our steps back to the cars.
This had been a beautiful evening with barmy weather with flowers and lots of bird song.
Some of the group retired to The Bay Horse Osbaldeston.

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