Whombreldon (18th Apr)

[Clay G]

#9773

The Whimbrels have returned to Whombreldon – aka the fields at approximately SD508608 (Quernmore) which have hosted a flock every April for the past few years. There were just four birds present on Friday, but this will likely pick up to double figures towards the end of the month. The highest count I’m aware of at this location was 75 birds in 2023.

This is a really reliable spot for anyone wanting to see these birds. View from Little Fell Lane (be careful of traffic).

Also present in the area (all SD5060 unless otherwise specified):

• 2 Lapwings that appeared to be on nests in a field behind the Whimbrel field (SD5160)
• Another 2 Lapwings that seemed to be associating as a pair, with some display flight.
• Pair of Oystercatcher moving between a few fields in the area – perhaps the same pair that attempted breeding last year. Hopefully this year they find a nest site further from the road, as no eggs hatched last year.
• 1 Curlew in display flight.
• A pair of Lesser Black-backed Gulls hanging around one of the Whimbrel fields.
• At least one Skylark in display flight
• One Pied Wag feeding near the road
• Meadow Pipits including a flock of 7 in a field near the road

• This topic was modified 2 weeks ago by Clay G.

[Clay G]

#9781

This morning, 9-9:45

9 Whimbrel
4 Curlew
14 Lapwing in the immediate vicinity, including several that seemed to be on nests
2 Oystercatcher still

1 each Blackbird and Song Thrush singing nearby
2 Skylark territories
3 Swallows feeding over the fields

Spoke to a local who confirmed that the Oystercatchers did hatch chicks last year – I thought they’d failed at egg stage, so that’s good news.

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