Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits at Brockholes Quarry, Lancashire, UK, in late April 2001.

by Bill Aspin.

Click picture to view a larger image.

During the period 22nd-29th April 2001, a  remarkable passage of Black-tailed Godwits occurred at Brockholes Quarry, Lancashire, UK, grid ref: SD585305 involving a remarkable 602 individuals. 

All were considered to be of the race 'Islandica', due to the boldly marked black and orange tertials and scapulars and the general extent and intensity of the summer plumage colouration. The males in particular were also considered by observers to be structurally different from 'Limosa', appearing small, neat and compact with relatively short bills, which were also very orange-based, indicative of birds in peak breeding condition. Some observers remarked that the males were structurally reminiscent of Bar-tailed Godwit.

As all the incoming flocks/birds were seen to arrive from the East and depart W/NW, it was clearly apparent to the observers present that the birds were not simply moving upriver from the Ribble Estuary, but were on a migration up the country. I recall hearing at the time that sites such as Old Moor wetland in S. Yorkshire received some large flocks of Godwits. There were also larger than usual numbers of 'Islandica' BLTG's noted in Cambridgeshire during Spring 2001 (per Dick Newell).

Back in East Lancashire, Stocks Reservoir also recorded flocks of 45+ on 27th and 60+ on 28th April, during the period that Brockholes Quarry was experiencing these amazing numbers. Although the Stocks birds were of unspecified race, my guess is that they were probably 'Islandica'.

Click on photos, above and below, to view larger image.

 All details of sightings for the period are as follows:

22/04 – 114 present on the main pool at 08.00hrs. Most birds flew W/NW during the morning, with only 14 still present at 11.45hrs. All had departed by mid-day.

23/04 – 38 present prior to 0800hrs (this flock also contained a single Bar-tailed Godwit which departed to the North, alone, at 07.50hrs).

27/04 – 305 were recorded in the space of 2 hours:

17.55hrs – 18.05hrs: 105 birds came in from the east, pausing briefly, before entire flock flew W/NW.

19.55hrs – 20.00hrs: Flock of 200 flew in from the east, pausing briefly on the main pool, before flying W/NW.

No Godwits were present as dusk fell on 27/04.

28/04 – 111 present on the main pool from 0730hrs with 100+ still present at mid-day. Only 43 were present between 18.45 – 20.00hrs, reducing to 15 roosting birds by 20.35hrs.

On this date, the flock showed incredibly well, down to 30ft at times as they fed relatively unconcerned on the grass between the 2^nd passing place and the main pool. (That is when the top photo in this article was taken).

29/04 – 34 recorded: Three small groups came in from the east during the morning; totalling 18 birds by 11.04hrs.A further 16 ‘in’ at 18.55hrs.

additionally:

05/05 - 2 'Islandica' roosting on Spoon Island, Main Pool, until 13.30hrs at least, may have been the last stragglers of the passage.

As can be seen from the often lengthy gaps between sightings and the brevity of some of the larger flocks, it is entirely plausible that perhaps many more passed through/over the site unseen at times of no observer coverage.

For most quarry regulars fortunate enough to witness the passage of these stunning birds, it remains the highlight of the 2001 birding year at Brockholes Quarry.

Click here to access the Black-tailed Godwit section of Dick Newell's website, for more photos/some discussion on the identification of 'Islandica' and ' Limosa' Black-tailed Godwits.

Any comments on the Godwits featured, or, if your local patch (anywhere in the country, particularly inland) received unusual numbers of 'Islandica' BLTG's during the period described in the article, then I would be very interested in location, numbers, flight directions etc in order to attempt to enhance the article by perhaps ultimately identifying a concentrated flightline thru the country during late April 2001 -  please email Bill Aspin.