Larry the lapwing

'Larry the Lapwing' is a giant lapwing owned by the RSPB, inflated by a blower powered by a generator. Larry was spotted outside Thorneyholme school ('An Outstanding School in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty') on Saturday scaring cyclists taking part in the Tour of Britain. Photos of this frighteningly big (12 foot) bird will soon be available so check back shortly! Lapwings normally head for the coast in the autumn and as there was a stiff breeze on Saturday, Larry had to be tied down with guy ropes otherwise he was joining the others. Larry and a giant peregrine Falcon were both there to promote the Forest of Bowland, AONB to the world via TV coverage of the Tour. Despite my best efforts, this has not happened exactly as I had hoped. The TV helicopter spent quite a while overhead but I haven't seen the footage used yet.


Forest of Bowland AONB website

Elephant Hawk Moth caterpillar

On Sunday I was out on my bike having a gentle ride around the lanes in the Longridge area. I was cycling down Hothersall Lane and could smell a distinct aniseed smell where I had noticed a stand of Sweet Cicely earlier in the year. (Sweet Cicely is a lovely plant and gives off an anseed smell when bruised). I stopped to see if there were any seeds left and then saw the biggest caterpillar that I have ever seen in my life. About as thick and long as my middle finger, light brown with several bands and with 4 'eyes'. It was munching a leaf of rosebay willowherb. Looking at a specialist moth site, it seems that this was probably the caterpillar for the Elephant Hawkmoth which is presumably about the same size as a small bat!


Forest of Bowland AONB website

Red Kite over AONB

Forest of Bowland AONB website

Saw a red kite gliding over Lawkland Green on Monday 31st May about 5.00pm - pursued by a pair of crows. Not unknown but usual over Bowland. There have been more sightings in the last year or so - perhaps they are spreading this way from the Harewood estate and Warfedale where some released a few years ago? Magnificent, elegant bird!

Mike Pugh, AONB team

Forest of Bowland AONB website

Seen a Dotterel (male) among a flock of about 35 Golden Plover on pasture near Abbeystead about 6.00pm Thursday 22nd. They pass through Bowland on migration but usually in early May, so this one is ahead of the game!
Mike Pugh

Hoody in Bowland

Forest of Bowland AONB website

Plain view of a hooded crow beside the road near Jubliee Tower. Not totally unknown but rare in England; they are quite common in Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man. Maybe this one fancied a quick trip across Morecambe Bay? Mike Pugh (on the way to the rowing club 18 April 9.00am)

Whole array of wading birds on one day!

A waders paradise: 42 lapwing, 4 Curlew, 2 Redshank, 2 Oystercatchers and a snipe were spotted by the Bowland RSPB Wader Officer at Landskill Farm near Calder Vale on Friday 19th March. Why not walk by and visit the birdhide yourself? For a copy of the downloadable self guided route follow this link or why not extend your visit and stay at Caldertop Cottage

Forest of Bowland AONB website

Image copyright - Chris Gomersall, RSPB Images

Exciting first sighting of the hen harrier

Mike excitably reported sightings of the female hen harrier on his way to work last week - the first of the year. I'm yet to have a sighting at all, never mind just for this year! A Festival Bowland hen harrier safari guided walk is probably in order for me. He was driving through the trough of Bowland at the time so wasn't able to get a photo, but here's an image of the female next to her nest in Bowland taken a few years ago.

It's also always wonderful to see and hear the return of lapwing and curlew which we've all been experiencing from our new office base at Dunsop Bridge, those evocative calls are a sure reminder that spring has arrived!

Forest of Bowland AONB website