New bird feeders have been put up in the hide area at Pickerings Pasture.                          

They are already being used by several species and will be of great benefit to all the people who bird-watch from the hide. The birds, instead of flying behind the seats, now fly across in front of the hide as well. Many of them perch on branches or on the fence in front. The opportunities for more natural photography should improve. 

Greefinches & Blackbird   CAC

 The original feeding station will continue to be used for a while, at least. If one area is disturbed, they can quickly move to the other. Great, blue and long-tailed tits are regular. A great spotted woodpecker, chaffinches, greenfinches, dunnock and robin all paid a visit today. It looks as if the squirrels are here to stay and although they are annoying when they damage our feeders, many people do enjoy their antics. We hope the new feeders will not be ruined by them too soon!

If you are unable to walk to the hide, there is another feeding station by the Visitors Centre and car-park area. There are several feeders there too and a new bird table. All of the food is provided by the Friends of Pickerings Pasture. 

 The Friends of Pickerings Pasture had a work party down at the hide on Monday. The hide itself was repainted and some repairs made. As well as making the feeders, the shrubs were pruned and the annoying branches removed from in front of the hide, allowing better views of the pool. The kingfisher made several visits while we were working.

On the pool today we saw teal, redshank and grey wagtail. A sparrowhawk flew across the pool and landed in one of the trees to the right, before flying off towards United Utilities.

We hope you enjoy the new innovations and we hope to see you down there soon.