L ANCASHIRE
MAX MILES ON FOOT: 8 MIN TIME : 4 HOURS
Stocks Reservoir adds a large piece of water to the moorland habitats of the Forest of Bowland, and it catches overland migrants, as well as a mix of breeding birds, around its edges and islands.
WHERE TO WATCH
1 Approaching from the north on the minor road from Bentham, you cover a large area of moorland before dropping down through the Gisburn Forest. This change of habitat allows you to look for conifer and broad-leaved species such as Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff, Spotted Flycatcher, Redstart, redpolls and Siskins. Mature conifers have both Goshawk and Crossbill, with Goldcrest.
2 Approaching the reservoir is a Forestry England car park, where you can start a walk to view the surrounding area. A mixture of woodland birds may be found, such as Song Thrush and Chaffinch, and listen out for the local Tawny Owl. Two small hides give views of a number of wildfowl, especially in winter. Also try the picnic area in the Vicar’s garden for a great view of Wigeon in winter. Water levels can add waders but have a big effect on breeding birds, especially those using vegetation, like Great Crested Grebe.
Watery oasis in the midst of moorland
3 You can walk the total eight-mile reservoir path or just do a short section to view the point where the River Hodder enters the reservoir around the reservoir. Here, look for waders like Lapwing, Redshank, Curlew, and migrants like Black-tailed Godwit and Ruff. Rarities like Little Ringed Plover, Pectoral Sandpiper and Temminck’s Stint have been found in the area. Look out for winter ducks like Goldeneye, Pintail, Wigeon and Teal, while summer Common Scoter can drop in.
4 Islands can add to a reservoir, and here breeding Black-headed Gulls have even added Mediterranean Gulls as breeders. The big Lesser Black-backed/ Herring Gull colony on the moors allows gulls here to drink in the summer, with a big winter roost of especially Common Gulls. Birds of prey can add summer
