Bleasdale Cottages wildlife diary

Black and Blue

2012-01-16T13:18:00.000-08:00

Today was one of those wonderful clear blue sky days here in Bowland and it was the first time this year we have had flocks of lapwing flying over on their pre breeding season " away days "

It's a real treat to have them back even if it's just for short visits, it gives you hope that it won't be too long before they come to stay to breed.

Now just hours later we have the clear black sky that is perfect to see the spectacle of the sky at night, no light polution, it's a wonderful sight!

Sparassis crispa - Cauliflower Fungus

2011-12-01T13:38:00.000-08:00

After taking a walk a few days ago to collect greenery to make door wreaths for Christmas I decided to check the young trees in the orchard.
Glancing across to the fence I was surprised to see two alien looking shapes. On closer inspection, they were growing out of the ground, the larger of the two being at least a foot across. They were growing from the roots of a very old fir tree. After consulting my Mushroom and Fungi book I found they were Cauliflower fungus that can grow to 5 kg. described as having a pleasant spicy scent and mild taste.

A Little of What You Fancy Does You Good!!

2011-09-13T07:22:00.000-07:00

As I was sitting at the kitchen table eating my breakfast- one Weetabix with a handful of Special K , a Brown Hare was doing the rounds of the garden. Along with some grass its' menu included - pine shoots with some sappy bark, leaves from the Lavetera, holly and thorn finnishing off with a good helping of sorrel. It had eaten its" five a day" before 8 o'clock!

Tewit Tea Walk

2011-05-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

As part of the Garstang walking Festival we had a "Tewit Tea Walk" this afternoon. Along with the lapwing with young there were sightings of Curlew, Oyster Catchers and Whimbrel. As the walk passed Jonas Wood the three young Tawny Owls were to be seen peeping out of their nest, one even climbing on top of its' siblings to get a better view of the passing bird watchers.

An unusual sighting for us here was a Pied Flycatcher, a young male calling for a mate.

Our Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages

A Sunday Afternoon Walk

2011-04-10T11:03:00.000-07:00

I hadn't been to the lake for a while so we decided to have a walk down this afternoon. As we approached the Redshank flew up. The rowing boat was in the shallows with quite a bit of water in so I suggested pulling it on to the bank but I soon changed my mind as a water hen has decided to make her nest on the seat, eight eggs. I used to have an uncle who each Spring would ask " how high were the water hens nests" his theory being this would be a sign for how wet the summer would be. What would he have said of this one? Next we found a goose nest, five Greylag eggs. Didn't stay long as the Redshank were coming back again. Walked on passed the clay pit, lots of snipe about and the marsh marigolds look good. Then on to the sedge bed, the toad spawn is looking promising. Came back by the newly laid hedges, coming into leaf now. Our Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages

Swallows Return

2011-04-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

What a glorious day we all had today! It got off to a lovely start when the first thing I sighted from the bedroom window was a swallow. Often the first one to come back will be on it's own for up to a week before the rest follow, but not this year, there are two already. So it's time to keep the barn door open for the Summer. Within two minutes of propping the door open for them they were straight in and sitting on top of the big light making their fantastic chattering sounds. Lets hope this weather stays a while, it makes everything so enjoyable-even work!

Our Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages

Live on "Hare" from Bleasdale.

2011-03-06T08:59:00.000-08:00

Our Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages Hare by Toon Photo

One of our hares has become a star! on the front cover of this months Lancashire Life magazine.

The weather could not have been better today for The Brown Hare Event organised by Wyre Countryside Rangers and Lancashire Wildlife. We also had a visit from the BBC Radio Lancashire with Stephen Lowe live from Bleasdale.

Saw my first Redshank of the season yesterday-lovely!

Desirable residential accommodation.

2011-02-12T12:58:00.000-08:00

Our Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages

We now have accommodation available for owls. These two desirable (we hope ) residences are now ready for occupation. The first is at the edge of our ten year old woodland on a recycled telegraph pole with views to Beacon Fell. The second is in a mature ash tree near the cottages with views of Parlick. Now the wait begins to see if we have any interest, we may have to be patient!

Planting, laying and surveying.

2011-02-03T10:12:00.000-08:00

Our Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages

The hedge laying that was postponed before Christmas is now coming along very well and all but two of the new fruit trees are now planted. The Brown Hares featured on the television twice last week once on BBC North West and again on News Round with the children from Bleasdale School. Both pieces were to publicise The Lancashire Wildlife project surveying the number of Brown Hare in Lancashire.

Winter Projects.

2010-12-09T23:54:00.000-08:00

Our Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages

As I lay in bed this morning juggling the days jobs in my head " UPDATE THE BLOG " was screaming at me so here goes.

Our 10years of the Countryside Stewardship Scheme came to an end so that meant a whole new list of projects for the Higher Level Scheme to begin. Robert made a good start on the extra bunds and scrapes for the Lapwing Project. The hedge laying that was planned for Nov/Dec has now been postponed, first for the heavy rain and then for the snow-Health and Safety. It is now pencilled in for the New Year as is the planting of the new fruit trees. Yesterday I had a message to say the new owl boxes were ready for collecting.

As I went through the young woodland recently it was good to see an abundance of berries on the hollies, even a few hazel nuts (that's a first) and I have never before seen so many sloes. Walking home accross the fields there were plenty of snipe about. I even caught sight of a woodcock as I drove back from a meeting at dusk. Another night sighting - Robert went out to check one of the new security lights and on his wanderings between the timed phases he shone his torch along the brook and was surprised to see a group of brown trout, 3-4 inches long. The ducks are back at the lake now the ice is thawing.

Spotted Flycatchers.

2010-07-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

Our Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages These pictures were taken by Gavin Thomas ( RSPB )

just down the lane. The parents were feeding three fledglings." WELL SPOTTED" Gavin.

England V Australia - Lapwings

2010-06-30T11:54:00.000-07:00

As we arrived home last week from our trip to Australia the beauty of The Bowland Countryside was just stunning. The hedgerows, trees and wildflowers had all burst forth.
Visiting some last years cottage guests, they showed us the Australian Lapwing. We would not have recognised them, no crest on top and no purple/green shimmer in the feathers. What they do have is " bright yellow, dangling ear flaps " !!!
After another successful breeding season our visiting lapwing are now gathering into groups enjoying the wider area before leaving till next year.
Our family of Greylag Geese are still with us, looking in exceptionally fine form. I must say they have been the most attentive and protective parents I've seen in a long time.

Our Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages

Oystercatcher chick.

2010-05-25T13:21:00.000-07:00

Gavin Thomas (RSPB ) took this picture today of an Oystercatcher chick down by the wildlife lake. They really are very well camouflaged.
The five Greylag goslings are doing well with their very attentive parents. While grazing they suddenly shoot off running with the young having to dash to keep up, then they seem to have wing flapping lessons. We await the take off !!

Our Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages

Birds

2010-05-13T10:06:00.000-07:00

Our Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages

On Monday Robert did the Tewit Teas Walk with Gavin Thomas ( R.S.P.B ) for one of the events in the Garstang Walking Festival. It was quite a cold afternoon but they still managed to see a good number of lapwing chicks, an oyster catcher nest with an egg in and very good views of a Curlew sitting on her nest. They also watched another curlew " seeing off " a cock pheasant in a very determined manner.

The Wheatear are back with us for a short stay before they move on to nest, such pretty birds.

Quite relieved to have the Grey Wagtails back, they are so late, we thought we would not have any this year.

Proud Parents

2010-05-12T01:14:00.000-07:00

Our Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages

Down at the lake we usually only get visiting geese dropping in for a short break (no more than 3/4 days ). This Spring a group of Greylag decided to have an extended stay and the out come is that there are now five young ones.

They are very protective and proud of their brood.

Guest Sightings

2010-04-19T08:57:00.000-07:00

Our Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages

Over the weekend we had the third annual stay of the Haiku Group. On one of their walks they heard a group of aggravated oyster catchers, as they looked to see what was bothering them they had a very good view of an osprey flying over. We have never seen one but they tell me that it would be migrating back to the north.

Another family staying had a lovely surprise, spotting two very young leverets sitting very still in a clump of rush.

It's good to have the first of the swallows back and the bats out feeding in the evenings.

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Bleasdale Sightings

2010-04-19T08:33:00.000-07:00

Our Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages

While checking the e- mails this morning we sighted a stoat through the window. Robert managed to get these pictures as it left the garden with it's catch, a young rabbit.

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Frogs on " Night Manouvers "

2010-03-18T14:21:00.000-07:00

As Robert drove down the road at seven o'clock to a Parish Hall meeting over a hundred frogs were on the move. And by nine on his return there were even more, home for the camera to record " The Night Manouvers ". I think it's going to be fun, fun, fun on the pond tonight.

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Our Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages

Breeding waders at Bleasdale Cottages

2010-03-17T09:58:00.000-07:00

Over the weekend I kept thinking I could hear the sound of Redshank but t wasn't until Monday that I saw them for sure. That's the last of the ground nesting birds to arrive for their breeding season here with us.
Tues. 16th. March.
Even though we can still see a patch of snow above us on the side of the fell it's been the most lovely springlike day. A day of first sightings this year, frog spawn on one of the scrapes and coltsfoot and celandines flowering by the side of the brook.
We never come back from a walk without seeing Hares, and last week we were treated to a show of "boxing Hares" without even leaving the house, through the window, as I sat at the computer.
I will have to hope for some good sightings for the Hare Walk with the Countryside Rangers this coming Sunday.

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Is there light at the end of the tunnel ?

2010-02-16T01:32:00.000-08:00

Our Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages One of the animals that has not only survived but positively thrived in the extreme winter weather is the mole. Mole hills seem to be popping up every way you look. On Saturday I could put it off no longer and the traps were retrieved from the depths of the garage and with more gritted teeth than enthusiasm I set out to set them. By Monday the population was five down. Tuesday morning was misty and cold and as my fingers tingled with cold delving into the sodden soil I was wishing I had chosen a warmer job when out of the mist a lapwing got up and flew to the next field__ the first tewit call of the year !And if that didn't manage to warm me through five minutes later I was glowing, seeing and hearing a pair of curlew. So even though the morning began looking bleak, there is light at the end of the tunnel and Spring will soon be here.

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Happy Christmas

2009-12-23T09:37:00.000-08:00

HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND ALL THE BEST FOR 2010 From Robert and Anne at Bleasdale Cottages.

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Christmas at Bleasdale Cottages.

2009-12-23T09:01:00.000-08:00

The birds have been coming to the garden for extra feeding these past few days.
This thrush has been making the most of the holly berries.
Late yesterday afternoon we dashed out of the house to move some wayward sheep that had come over the cattlegrid and up the road. The house door was left open and on our return we found we had a robin in the kitchen. It was none too pleased when it was caught and put back outside.

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2009-10-25T04:43:00.001-07:00

Our regular garden hare was again in it's favourite spot this morning while I ate breakfast. As I watched it performed it's morning ablutions, amazing to see the ear washing procedure. I went off to Church feeling I had had my "special sighting" of the day , came home to find two sitting side by side---- it was only coffee I was drinking !!

Our Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages

2009-10-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

Watched a hare in the garden this afternoon, sunning itself in the lee of the beech hedge. Saw a large Buzzard flying off with newly caught prey, it landed in conifer woods nearby. The garden seems full of pheasants eating anything we put out. Our resident Kestrel is still roosting in niche above doorway and often hunting in fields near house. The autumn colours are fantastic at the moment. Hollies are covered in berries and ivy berries are starting to form. Flocks of Golfinches have been feeding on seed heads by roadside.

Our Forest of Bowland Holiday Cottages

Butterfly Spotting at Bleasdale Cottages.

2009-09-12T08:52:00.000-07:00

The butterflies have been out in force making the most of this wonderful weather. The buddleia had six varieties on at one time yesterday. There were Red admiral, Peacock, Small tortoiseshell, Painted lady, Large white and I don't know the name of the one in the picture.
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Trout for Breakfast....

2009-07-14T11:14:00.000-07:00

We recently had an enquiry from a keen fly fisherman, I said he was very welcome to use the lake as we did stock with brown trout in 2006 but as it was primarily a wildlife lake there was rather a lot of pond weed. I did send him the leaflet Fishing in Bowland but he was " a man on a missision "and within hours of arriving he had his first catch, well over a pound and as he said "in perfect condition " I also learned its last meal had been freshwater shrimp and water snail. His challenge continued through the week with the rowing boat, rake ect. and an extremely patient wife standing by. He managed to clear enough to use the fly rod, more success and trout for supper !

Ringing Wagtails

2009-07-13T11:33:00.000-07:00

The pair of Grey Wagtails that spend the Spring/Summer around Brook House have just reared their third nest of young. The first was in the house wall the second in a planter and the third in a last years blackbird nest. Yesterday Jean Roberts(B.T.O.) called to ring the five young wagtails under the watchful eyes of the very attentive parents.

We also ringed five young swallows from a second sitting in the bird hide.

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If you go down to the woods today??

2009-06-06T03:23:00.000-07:00

While it was dry enough to take the tractor into the woods this week, Robert went to mow the pathways. The blossom on the guelder rose and the patches of dog rose look so pretty and we had a new find for us, some Southern Marsh Orchids.

The Joys of Spring

2009-06-06T01:59:00.000-07:00

The Brook House wagtails have been busy again !!
We didn't spot this nest hidden in the planter until they were hatched and the parents were busy feeding them. After that we were careful to tell guests of their whereabouts (they had their very own"Springwatch" viewing into the nest from the bedroom window) After they had flown the nest and the weater had been so good,Robert went to water the planters with the hose pipe and I'm not sure who had the bigger surprise - birds flew in every direction, parent birds very cross at having to round them up and settle them down again!
The concrete block wall next to the planter is home to a family of bluetits, the entrance is a hole that used to be a gate fastening.
The first of the young swallows are now flying from their nest in the bird hide, I was relieved to see them as I walked by on the way to vote as I had been a bit worried that the jackdaws had been spending too much time in that area. It's been a regular sighting recently watching both the oyster catchers and the lapwings mobbing the buzzards. The buzzard was seen eating a waterhen last week.

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"Tramper" Birdwatch at Bleasdale Cottages.

2009-05-14T03:10:00.000-07:00

Thankfully the weather was fine on both afternoons of the walks. The Sunday crowd seeing a good number of birds with plenty of sightings of the lapwing chicks and the redshanks behaving like they had young about though keeping them well hidden.

On the Tuesday afternoon the wind was fierce making it harder to get good sightings, but still managed to see lapwing chicks, curlew and sitting oyster catcher. The swallows in the birdhide have eggs in the nest.

Still keeping an eye on the oyster catcher sitting on her eggs in the old tree trunk, expect something to appear in the next few days.

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Oyster Catcher Sitting Tight.

2009-05-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

This Oyster Catcher has chosen to nest in the top of an old tree stump in the fence. They usually choose to nest on the ground with a few stones or pebbles.
The nest is about a metre from the ground.

The visiting Northern Wheatear have now moved on to their breeding grounds higher up the hills. We enjoyed their stay with us, they are such pretty ones to watch.

The Grey Wagtail that nested in the wall of Brook House have now flown the nest. I kept an eye on them while painting the railings and was entertained with their antics trying everything for the first time, flying to the yard wall, then the roof and then a paddle by the brook.

Hope there will be lots of Lapwing chicks next week for the Garstang Walking Festival Tewit Teas and Tramper Birdwatch here in Bleasdale.

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Boxing Hares and Leverets

2009-04-12T12:05:00.000-07:00

Found a special surprise today, not the "Easter Bunny" but three very young leverets. I have seen a Hare in that spot before but I would not have thought she would have given birth so close to the buildings and only a few feet from the washing line. It gave me a thrill last week watching down the front field with a guest, we saw hares "boxing" the fur was flying!
Our first swallows are back this week- always a welcome sight-must leave the barn door open for them.
Guests came back from their walk this afternoon reporting having seen lapwing chicks.

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Guest Sightings

2009-03-30T02:28:00.000-07:00

Guests this weekend enjoyed watching the local pair of buzzards circling in the sky and at close range perched on a favourite post in the fence by the lane.
They were very surprised to catch sight of a stoat passing by the cottage still in his white winter coat with the black tipped tail.

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Tadpoles and Frogs

2009-03-24T15:02:00.000-07:00

Tadpoles are swimming in the shallow pools after all the lovely sunshine last week, still masses of spawn in the cold deeper water.
Had to play "dodge the frogs" driving up the road tonight as they seem to be off "FLASH MOBBING".

Northern wheatear

2009-03-20T13:25:00.000-07:00

What a week something fresh everyday. Saw the first toad this afternoon then as we stopped for a drink a northern wheatear arrived, a bat has been out and about this evening -- Wonderful!

2009-03-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

2009-03-18T11:12:00.000-07:00

On Monday RSPB field officers from various regions visited Bleasdale Cottages to look at our ongoing Lapwing conservation project. The Lawings and Curlews are calling, more pairs of Redshanks this year.

Bleasdale Cottages