Pennington Flash, Wigan 27^th February 2010

Pennington Unfrozen.

After many weeks of freezing and snowy weather, it was with pleasant anticipation that Rochdale Field Naturalists’ Society journeyed to Pennington Flash Country Park near Wigan for their monthly car outing.

 The Flash is a 170 acre lake, which was created at the turn of the 20^th Century by coal mining subsidence and flooding.  The lake is surrounded by woodland and open areas which exhibit classic examples of natural regeneration.  The Country Park is renowned for its birdlife.

 Commencing their walk along the side of the Flash, Coot, Mallard and Tufted Duck were apparent on the water, with distant views of Cormorants, with wings out-stretched on the distant spit of land.  Mute Swans, Canada Geese and Black Headed Gulls could also be seen.

Shrubs alongside the path displayed interesting fungi.  The specimens of Jelly Fungus were particularly prolific. Lichens were also in evidence, the variety of these indicating the decrease in atmospheric pollution in the area.

 The group continued to the bird hides, and there spent an enjoyable time watching ducks, including, Wigeon, Pochard, Gadwall and Shoveller on the lagoons. A flotilla of Teal were looking especially smart in their spring plumage. The Bunting Hide with its bird feeders allowed everyone excellent observations of woodland birds.  As spring is approaching, the birds were displaying their most attractive breeding plumage. At least four male Bullfinches, in brilliant pink and grey dress, were particularly stunning, and several pairs of Reed Buntings were showing pristine feathers to good advantage. Long-tailed Tits entertained the viewers with their acrobatic exploits and a Great spotted Woodpecker justified its name by drumming on an adjacent tree-trunk. 

After lunch, the Naturalists continued their circuit of Pennington Flash. Along the way, male and female Goldeneye ducks were noted, the black and white colouration of the males was conspicuous as they took flight from the surface of the water.  Although the end of winter is approaching, a large flock of Redwings, soon to make their migration to summer breeding grounds in Scandinavia, was observed in the upper branches of the leafless trees.  Close inspection of another four birds identified them as Fieldfares.

Although no evidence of emerging leaf buds was noted, trees bearing catkins and newly emergent pussy willow sprays happily heralded the approach of warmer weather.

Click here for a Sightings List