 |
| A rare occurrence this winter – a sunny day and the opportunity to visit somewhere new the Lancashire Wildlife Trust Lunt Meadows Nature Reserve.
Over the past few months the reserve has developed a reputation as being one of the best places to watch owls hunting over the flood meadows of the River Alt. However on arrival it quickly became clear the reserve was considerably larger than I’d expected. In addition the Boxing Day floods had led to the river overflowing its banks. |
 |
| Keen to see what could be found it was time to go for a wander around. Plenty of Coots on the pools and the usual Teal. Marsh Harrier overhead, at least 3 Buzzards, Kestrels, Stonechats but no sign of any Water Voles. |
 |
 |
| Access to the viewing screens was a bit tricky. | Plenty of Lapwings, sadly no Golden Plover. |
 |
| 3.30pm and the first Barn Owl appears |
 |
| and shortly after another hunting over the field adjacent to the car park. |
 |
| Stunning birds especially when viewed against the dark backdrop of the woodland edge. |
 |
| Whilst amongst the reedbeds to the southern end of the reserve the Short-eared Owls were out hunting. |
 |
| Not looking good for one of the local voles. |