Category: - Wildlife at the Pasture

                             Spring (March to May)

The number of birds at the feeders started to drop off earlier than normal. We presume this was because of the warm weather. Two great spotted woodpeckers were recorded at both feeding stations and several reed buntings were seen near the scrape. Sparrowhawks and kestrels continued to chase the birds at the feeding stations, catching the odd bird. Buzzards are on the increase, being seen over the pasture and on the nearby marsh on several occasions.

During early March twenty new nest boxes were erected on the site. These boxes were made by George Ockleshaw, to whom we are very grateful. Several of the older boxes were repaired. Unusual for Pickerings, a pair of stock doves were seen feeding on the meadows near the entrance gate.

The scrape pool continued to attract small numbers of ducks, grey herons and Canada geese, also redshank and lapwing were recorded almost daily and the occasional snipe was reported. A kingfisher was seen on several occasions by the lucky few. With the dry weather the scrape pool was shrinking rapidly, until a high tide in April filled it to overflowing. On the high tides good numbers of waders were starting to roost just over the fence from the scrape.

A pair of ravens was seen on several occasions feeding on the marsh and on one day both birds were displaying and tumbling over the sewage works and the hide area. Later in the season they were noted feeding and carrying food off towards Weston Point. On two days in the middle of May a female marsh harrier, being mobbed by lapwings, was seen hunting the marsh area to the west of the scrape hide. In late May an adult hobby was seen chasing the swifts over the area.

With the good weather, butterflies were seen earlier than usual. Peacock were prominent with smaller numbers of small tortoiseshell. Brimstone, comma, speckled wood and orange tip appeared later, with one small copper being recorded.   Once again the wet weather in early May appears to have effected the first brood of common blues with very small numbers been noted.

Despite being predated by the foxes, which have been seen on the pastures, the rabbits still appear to be flourishing. A stoat was seen by several people by the scrape hide attempting to catch birds.

The corn field area was harrowed and re-planted with seed in April, so hopefully this year's display should be better. Linnets, goldfinches and greenfinches were noted taking advantage of the supply of seeds! 

On the river itself, at low water, the waders on the banks seem to be increasing in number and variety each year with the usual curlew and redshank being joined by whimbrel, dunlin, black-tailed godwit and the odd turnstone. On the 17th May two harbour porpoises were seen in the River Mersey, off Pickerings Pasture.

A dawn chorus walk on the 6th May, organised by Rob Smith,the ranger,produced 42 species of birds,including a variety of summer migrants, the best of which were 25 whimbrel.

To end on a sad note:- during the last few months there has been a spate of vandalism taking place, including youths with firearms wandering in the woodland, the destruction of bat and bird nest boxes, several unofficial fires and damage to the Pickerings Pasture map and notice board. Could we ask visitors who see any odd things happening to please contact the police and advise the ranger?