Our mild winter climate attracts large numbers of Arctic and northern european waders and wildfowl during our winter months. They gather on the coastal estuaries saltmarshes and nearby farmland. Lancashire has over 1% of the European population of 24 species, including Whooper Swan and Pink-footed Goose on, Oystercatcher, Bar-tailed Godwit and Knot. The most important areas are the inter-tidal flats where many of the species feed. Huge flocks may be seen on the esturies of the Ribble and Wyre and on the beaches of  Formby and Southport and inland at Martin Mere. The Morecambe Bay area is very important including the RSPB Reserve at Leighton Moss.

Phenology

The study of periodic plant and animal life cycle events and how these are influenced by seasonal and interannual variations in climate. (From Wikipedia)

It usually refers to the study of the first time a species flowers each year. However it actually covers any annual event such as the first hatching of insects or birds, or the arrival of migrants such as Swallows. The study is useful for measuring climate change but is also a lot of fun. Looking out for the first Snowdrops lets you know that Spring is on its way.

Morecambe Bay provided by The Craigwell Hotel