Osprey: This magnificent bird of prey has spending much of its time on the motorway bridge over the M6, close to the Brockholes nature reserve. It's not unusual to get passing ospreys during beginning of Spring at Brockholes, but its exceptional to see one sitting right alongside the motorway traffic and 44 ton lorries as it fishes from the bridge.
Before I get lampooned by the Corona-police, I did not travel specifically to see this bird,. I was delivering essential supplies to Dawns 90 year old grandmother who lives alone in Carnforth.
This was *not* a specific twitch.
When I arrived there was no sign of the bird and thankfully no other birders, it appears that folk are adhering to the lockdown restrictions. I then relocated the bird down stream rooting on a fallen tree.
The bird remained here for some time before flying off up river toward the M6 motorway bridges. I was thrilled and hot on my heels behind it.
I see ospreys most yaers, mainly during the passage to their breeding grounds and its only when you see them up close and personal you really get to appreciate how stunning these birds are.
As promised the bird landed on the bridge and the motorway as the traffic roared past and started to eye up its lunch.
There are no records of nesting ospreys in Lancashire since the mid-18th century, since George the 3rd st on the throne - more than 250 years ago. So I'm sure lost of local birders and the Wildlife Trust, the guys who manage Brockholes will be getting excited that there is a long staying bird in the area.
Aa side note, Brockholes is currently closed to the public during the lockdown and under lockdown regulations, photography and bird watching are not considered “essential travel” but if you are taking your daily exercise down near the River Ribble then keep your open for this little beauty.
Stay home. Stay safe.
