Houghton Green Flash

This is a flooded field less than a mile from where I live. There is virtually no habitat there, just a flooded field with short grass. Many interesting birds turn up here at various times of the year, and I really should make the effort to visit it more often. From a photography point of view though, it isn't the best location, as it's impossible to approach the water without being seen.

Birds seen on the Flash include: Black-necked Grebe, Buzzard, Common Sandpiper, Great Crested Grebe, Lesser Whitethroat, Little Grebe, Little Ringed Plover, Long-tailed Duck, Pochard, Redshank, Ringed Plover, Ruddy Duck, Teal, Wigeon, and Yellow Wagtail.

At the time of writing, I've taken (and kept) only one image on the Flash - of flying Wigeon. The light was poor and I had no hope of getting a sharp image – 400mm, hand-held, 1/30s. I was expecting to delete it when I viewed it on my computer, but I actually quite like the effect.

The flash is close to the M6 Motorway, at the junction with the M62. Leave the M6 at junction 22 and take the A49 (Winwick Link Road) signposted Winwick. After a few hundred yards, turn left onto Highfield lane. Follow this narrow lane to the end, turn left onto Myddleton Lane and then first right onto Delph Lane. This is a narrow lane that first turns sharp left and then sharp right. After the sharp right turn, the Flash is now on your left. It's possible to park at this second bend, but only one or two cars. It may be better to continue along Delph Lane until you reach the public footpath on the left, opposite the farm. Park at the side of the road (or just off the road) and take the footpath to the Flash.

My images from Houghton Green Flash

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