I've mentioned the Lostock Works Peregrines many times and the adult male has been a regular fixture on my visits to the Rudheath Lime Beds (often being seen whilst collecting the keys as he watched over the nest site). After some very heavy recent rain, I optimistically returned to the beds in the hope of water, and therefore autumn wader potential. On collecting the keys I had a look for the peregrines on the works, but saw nothing and assumed they had fledged.
Up on the beds the 'flood' is anything but and remains bone dry for now, but with the current forecast that may change.
But the trip was still worthwhile, as it turned out the whole Peregrine family has relocated to the pylons centrally within the beds. The three juveniles were raucous and inquisitive, putting on a fantastic show for the next hour or so and at least one of the adults chaperoned them.
Wader-wise there was only 1 Oystercatcher present, and a single adult and two Shelducks were the only wildfowl. Plenty of Skylark, Meadow Pipit and Linnet activity indicated a good season for those species at least, but waders have fared badly.
Separately last week (on 6th) I spent a couple of hours at Frodsham in the evening. Highlights were a breeding plumage Spotted Redshank amongst a throng of Black-tailed Godwits and Common Redshanks. Around 40 Dunlin were present, along with a handful of Ringed and Little Ringed Plovers. Autumn is coming. The highlight though was lovely views of a hunting Barn Owl.
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