Field Notes:
Life moves fast, and for many of us the pandemic left a quiet but lasting mark — on our confidence, our routines, and our ability to simply get out of the house. Even now, stepping beyond familiar comfort zones can feel harder than it should. Ill health, stress, and the pace of everyday life all add up.
Birding has become our way of gently rebuilding. It gives us a reason to step outside, meet people, breathe fresh air, and enjoy the simple happiness that birds bring — especially at this time of year, when the landscape is alive with young families and new beginnings.
A short caravan break in Fleetwood with our grandson reminded us how powerful these small moments can be. Time outdoors, time together, time noticing the world again. I’ve been a birder for years and my wife has wanted to become more involved, she is a great spotter, but our motivation has always risen and fallen. Looking back through this blog, there are long stretches where leaving the house just wasn’t possible.
A short caravan break in Fleetwood with our grandson reminded us how powerful these small moments can be. Time outdoors, time together, time noticing the world again. I’ve been a birder for years and my wife has wanted to become more involved, she is a great spotter, but our motivation has always risen and fallen. Looking back through this blog, there are long stretches where leaving the house just wasn’t possible.
This year feels different. A change in medication for myself and surgery for my wife now completed we are making a conscious decision to prioritise our wellbeing have opened the door to doing more for each other. Part of my focus us updating this blog — and starting my YouTube channel — which has given me a renewed sense of purpose. A reason to pick up the camera, step outside, and reconnect with nature.
Science says birding reduces stress, eases anxiety, and boosts happiness. We believe it. The therapy isn’t in chasing rarities; it’s in watching our everyday species go about their lives. There’s something profoundly grounding in that — a reminder that healing can be slow, gentle, and found in the smallest moments.
The
10-Species Challenge
Recently, during a weekend caravan break in Fleetwood with our grandson, I found myself wanting to share more of the outdoors with him. Not in a heavy, “let me teach you everything” way, but in small, joyful moments. Watching him spot his first birds, hearing his questions, and seeing that spark of curiosity reminded me why this hobby means so much. It also gave my wife the chance to relax, knowing we were both happily occupied and out in nature together.
That’s where the idea for my Ten Bird Challenge came from. Instead of long, exhausting outings, I’m focusing on short visits with a simple goal: find and enjoy ten species. No pressure, no rushing, no chasing rarities. Just ten birds — enough to keep my grandson engaged, give me a reason to step outside, and still leave plenty of time for family life.
That’s where the idea for my Ten Bird Challenge came from. Instead of long, exhausting outings, I’m focusing on short visits with a simple goal: find and enjoy ten species. No pressure, no rushing, no chasing rarities. Just ten birds — enough to keep my grandson engaged, give me a reason to step outside, and still leave plenty of time for family life.
Location 1 - The Caravan Park (Broadwater Caravan Park, Fleetwood)
DATE: Friday 5th June 2026
TIME: 16.25-17.00
WEATHER: Warm and sunny, 14°C
GEAR: Nikon Prostaff 7 / Celestron Binoculars
HABITAT: Lots of caravans with a brook and wooded areas.
BIRD OBSERVATIONS:
A short walk around the outside of the caravan park provided a whole host of birds, lots of bird song and many birds we could actually see through binoculars.
A short walk around the outside of the caravan park provided a whole host of birds, lots of bird song and many birds we could actually see through binoculars.
Our grandson spotting all the birds and me trying to describe them in more detail, he was amazed he could see them.
Pied (White) WagtailBlack-headed Gull - Flying overMagpieWoodpigeonBlue TitGoldfinchBlackcapBlackbirdGreat TitSong ThrushRobin
The walk took half an hour, we stretched our legs and relaxed. 11 bird species for our first challenge, not bad.
Location 2 - Fairhaven Lake, Lytham St Annes
DATE: Saturday 6th June 2026
TIME: 12.00 - 15.00
WEATHER: Overcast, warm 17°C
GEAR: Nikon Prostaff 7 / Celestron Binoculars
HABITAT: Fairhaven Lake is
a massive estuarine and wetland habitat nestled between Lytham and St
Annes on the Fylde Coast. As part of the Ribble Estuary National
Nature Reserve, the 19.5-hectare site and surrounding mudflats
support up to 250,000 wintering wading birds and wildfowl, making it
one of the most vital wildlife habitats in the region.
Our visit was mainly about having some fun, but it turned out to be a very windy day. The lake was choppy, and the boats were closed, so instead we took a walk around the lake, explored the children’s play areas, and wandered around the gardens.
While we walked, we carried out our 10 Bird Challenge, which made the whole outing even more enjoyable. Picking up some duck and swan food from the Activity Centre gave us lovely close‑up views of Mallards and Canada Geese. Around the play park and gardens we spotted Blackbirds, Starlings, a group of House Sparrows, plus Blue Tits, Chaffinch, Robin, Greenfinch, Stock Dove and a Carrion Crow.
Out on the lake and the central island we added Mute Swans, Greylag Geese, and watched Herring Gulls battling the blustery winds. A Grey Heron drifted across the lake with effortless grace — a complete contrast to the gulls being tossed about. It looked absolutely majestic.
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| Stock Dove |
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| Young Herring Gull |
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| Herring Gull |
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| Canada Geese, Mallard, Greylag Geese, Grey Heron |
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| Feeding the Ducks & Geese was great fun especially in the wind |
At the lake there is a Spitfire Memorial a nine metre plane, full size replica of the Spitfire W3644 commemorating the aircrew who lost their lives in WW2. Lytham St Annes’ Spitfire, W3644, was shot down in Devon on 23 June 1942. It was returning from France where it was escorting bombers.We were also treated to a flyover from a Spitfire, likely from the Hangar 42 Spitfire Visitor Centre in Blackpool. A real privilege to see such an iconic aircraft.
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| Spitfire Replica W3644 |
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| RAF Station Blackpool |
After a visit to the café and a spot of lunch, we counted up our sightings. 15 bird species in total — another successful afternoon and a great reminder of how much joy a simple, family‑friendly challenge can bring.
Location 3 - Fleetwood Marsh Nature Park
DATE: Sunday 7th June 2026
TIME: 12.00 - 13.00
WEATHER: Some cloud, breezy (18mph) and warm 16°C
GEAR: Nikon Prostaff 7 / Celestron Binoculars
HABITAT: Situated right on the banks of the River Wyre—perched between the A585 Amounderness Way and Affinity Lancashire—it is a fantastic urban sanctuary and sits beautifully on the reclaimed site of a former power station. Managed by Lancashire County Council, these 18 hectares of public open space feature a wildlife pond and walking trails. There is also a fenced-off grass area rented by the Fylde Coast Model Flying Association (FCMFA).
HABITAT: Situated right on the banks of the River Wyre—perched between the A585 Amounderness Way and Affinity Lancashire—it is a fantastic urban sanctuary and sits beautifully on the reclaimed site of a former power station. Managed by Lancashire County Council, these 18 hectares of public open space feature a wildlife pond and walking trails. There is also a fenced-off grass area rented by the Fylde Coast Model Flying Association (FCMFA).
This location was a surprise, I have been meaning to visit this place on numerous occasions when I have been in Fleetwood and never actually got there. We left Nanna to sort the caravan out and spent an hour exploring this place. Again it was a bit blustery however it did not fail to deliver.
SkylarkGreenfinchCoot - with a a young cute fluffy chickMoorhenCanada Geese and goslingsMallard and chicksStarling - little flocks going back and forthRedpollHouse Martin - with a white underneath, a blue-black upper and the tell tale white rumpBlack-headed GullMeadow Pipit
Another find here was the shipwrecks, something else I was looking to find for a potential photo shoot, maybe at sunrise or sunset.
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| Fleetwood Shipwrecks Fleetwood Marsh Nature Reserve |
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