28/12/2020 Brickcroft Nature Reserve, Longton, Preston

Red-crested Pochard: Today was a day of two halfs, after waking up to snow here in Wigan and playing with the baby. I ended the day collecting some photography studio equipment from Preston where there was no snow at all!

Seeing as I was already in Preston picking up this studio kit which I will use for work purposes. I thought I would stop off at the Brickcroft Nature Reserve. Brickcroft Nature Reserve is situated west of the A59, southwest of Preston on the edge of Longton village. 

There had been reports of a drake RCP on the main lakes here for over a month, but with Christmas and the tightening of the Covid restrictions I thought it best not to travel. 

When I arrived the bird was on the largest southern lake, unfortunately the bird was clearly associating with mallard and wasn't shy, I even saw it come to bread that some family had brought to feed the ducks.

I have even been told by Stuart Darbyshire that its sporting a red ring on its leg. All of which leads me to believe this is not a genuine, bonafide, truly wild RCP. Nevertheless and regardless of its credibility it was still nice to be out of the house seeing a decent bird.

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29/12/2016 Walton Hall Park, Liverpool

Red-crested Pochard: This was another post-winter bird survey trip as I wanted to make the most of the blue skies and nice weather and after seeing Damian Young's and Dave Craven's pictures from Wally Park recently I thought I would make the most of the day's limited light and head over there.

Almost straight away I picked out 'Pablo' Wally Parks long recorded RCP loafing about with the manky looking inbred mallard and geese.

By all accounts no one knows where Pablo has come from but it's not ringed. I've been informed it's been there for about 5 years.

Don't ask who came up with the birds nickname, but I'm sure it has something to do with the birds Spanish connections.


Despite it's original origins RCP are always a smart bird, especially the males.  

Mediterranean Gull: While I made my way back to the car I was keen to check out the large flocks of gulls foraging in the muddy playing fields surrounding the park.

I'm glad I did as I picked out this stonking adult winter med gull loafing around the more common Black-headed Gulls.

The bird was pretty flighty and was often disturbed by the words of dog walkers that were constantly crossing the field.

Not a bad end to the day after a very cold three hour vantage point survey and transect where I was frozen to the bone despite several layers and thermals!

Here is a nice comparison shot between the two species, on the right the med gull showing off its clean white wing tips and dark mask behind the eye. On the left the Black-headed Gull with it's black wing tips folded along it's tail and black spot behind the eye.

18/04/2014 Wigan Flashes

Red-crested Pochard: Good weather for good Friday and I was hoping for some good birds!

First stop Wigan Flashes, its only up the road however it's a place I rarely visit.

The flash was stunning first thing, before the dog walkers and scally's on their bikes. Willow Warbler were in full song, buzzing bees and butterfly's surrounded me as they charged up in the morning sun.

Willow Warbler: The pair of RC Pochard were right out in the middle of Pearson's Flash continually diving and feeding on the vegetation they brought up from the depths.








I then decided to head back to Dovestone with hope that I will finally bag myself the Two Barred Crossbill - however I missed the mid morning sighting and after another long wait I had to call it a day and head back home.