Burnley & back

Clowbridge Reservoir

Goosander

Goosander

Scaup

Kick off approaching at Turf Moor

A trip was overdue to support our team of Southampton FC so we took the opportunity to visit a great old ground in the shape of Turf Moor, home to Burnley FC. Thankfully the arctic forecast didn't materialise but there was snow on the moors as headed north.

Looking on the map before leaving, I found what looked to be a good size piece of water known as Clowbridge Reservoir just 15 minutes south of our final destination. With Flynn not so keen to experience the Lancashire air I walked down to the north corner where I could see most of the water.

Not knowing what to expect I was delighted to find nine Goosander at first sight with the common Mallards. On the far end there were 30 Cormorants and two Great Crested Grebes. Then came an unexpected sighting as a Scaup emerged from the right hand bank and made it's way towards the centre of the reservoir. The sun made taking images very difficult but a great year tick all the same.

A young family look interest in what I was observing and they took it turns to look at the Goosanders with the Swaro's. They couldn't believe the clarity. With my tour guide session complete it was off to the very friendly Turf Moor where Saints just couldn't score resulting in a 1-0 loss and a long drive drive.