The Temmincks Stint on 09-10.05.02 and Little Egret on 11.05.02 at Brockholes Quarry - by Bill Aspin.

Preston birder and quarry regular Mike Ainscough located this superb Temmincks Stint, the first record for the site, at 10.30hrs on 09/05. 

The bird showed very well in the eastern corner of the main pool, in loose association with a single Ringed Plover. However, once news of the birds presence was released in the early evening (due to the sensitivity of the site as a working quarry), the bird promptly disappeared, presumably roosting out of view at 19.15hrs, much to the disapointment of 30 or so birders who attempted to twitch it. 

Compensation was still to be had for those unfortunate to dip on the bird on the first evening, in the form of one of the two Wood Sandpipers present earlier in the day remaining throughout the evening, 2 Turnstone dropped in briefly and good numbers of Whimbrel were still coming into roost.

Fortunately, the Temmincks Stint remained for a second day, allowing those who dipped it the previous evening, and others, to see it. 

Typically, come Saturday morning, the Temmincks had departed. However, whilst checking for the presence of the Temmincks, excellent compensation was had in the form of the first 'modern-day' (1998-2002) record of a Little Egret, which appeared, in flight only,  briefly at 06.35hrs and again at 21.05 hrs the same evening. During the latter sighting, the Egret twice landed on Spoon Island, Main Pool just prior to dusk, but on both occasions was disturbed and harrassed by Gulls and was last seen circling the main pool, calling repeatedly, at 21.30hrs. The bird must have roosted locally, but was not seen again. Between sightings, it was presumed that the bird must have spent the day feeding upriver on the River Ribble. The only previous record for the area 'pre-quarry' was on the River Ribble at Redscar Woods in 1987).

Brockholes Quarry (SD585305): *IMPORTANT* - Site access details supplied by Hanson Aggregates: No access by birders either by vehicle or on foot along the quarry access road during the following times:
Mon - Fri; 0730-1800hrs, Sat; 0800-1200hrs. Vehicular/pedestrian access along the quarry access road is granted all day SUNDAY only.
When visiting during the working hours stated above, please park v. carefully outside the main gate and under no circumstances walk/stand along the access road and avoid all aspects of the working quarry. There are many viewpoints accessed from the public footpaths running through/around the site. Future site access and future broadcasting of birdnews from the site depends on birders strictly adhering to the above.