Charlie Owen would have been ecstatic about Pennington Flash’s most recent visitor. A Glossy Ibis spent a few days on the water forward of the hide named after him. These birds are not common in the UK. As part of the Spoonbill family, they have an iridescent green and purple plumage frequenting habitat similar to that of egrets and herons.
If you have been along to see this bird at Pennington Flash and have an interest in birds, Leigh Ornithological Society have their first meeting on Friday 4th September 2026 at 07:30pm in the Derby Room, Leigh Library, WN7 1EB.
Photo courtesy of Jonathan Coombes, inset of Charlie Owen with thanks to John Tymon.
Please observe the following rules:
1. Photographs should be at least 300dpi (dots per inch) - Recommended 600dpi.
2. Format should be 210mm x 148mm (width x height).
3. File type: Jpeg, Tiff, Png
4. No watermarks.
For those photographs that go through to print, names will be credited, on the actual photographs.
Closing date for submissions is 20th October 2026.
Important note: Photographs that do not meet the rules above will be excluded. I do not have the time available to edit photographs.
Questions should be directed to Kevin Forde at the address stated below or in person when you see me.
Files should be submitted to Kevin Forde by email to, leighos.publicity@gmail.com
Good luck.
August's Computer calendar wallpaper is this spectacular Green Woodpecker with credit to Pauline and Ian Mellor-Greenhalgh.
From my understanding we could enjoy a local pair of these stunning birds in Lilford Woods. I believe we lost them during the building of the express bus route to Manchester. If anyone knows different please feel free to correct me.
I'll take the opportunity that I'll be asking for LOS Member's photographs for the 2027 LOS Calendar soon. I'd really like to be able to include a photograph of this bird taken locally so get out there with your cameras and watch out for the information regarding the submission of pictures.
On Sunday 19th July 2026, Members from Leigh Ornithological Society took part in Pennington Flash National Day of Nature. Some of Young Birding Team were on hand entertaining our youngest visitors while Pennington Flash Volunteer Group demonstrated dead-hedging a task that has been undertaken to create a barrier and protect the Nature Park. Along with activities, a Nature Walk was organised with Joan and Jeff taking the lead while David imparted his knowledge as a "Guide in the Hide". All together a successful day. While not in the photographs also worthy of a mention are Martyn Jones, Paul Pennington, George Pike and myself, (Kevin Forde).
Pennington Flash Festival of Nature - Sunday 19 July 2026
Discover the amazing wildlife on your doorstep with family-friendly activities, nature-themed experiences, hands-on workshops and plenty of opportunities to explore one of the borough's most beautiful natural spaces.
The 'Flashes Festival of Nature' will take place on Sunday, 19 July 2026 at Pennington Flash Nature Reserve in Leigh (WN7 3PA). This free family event runs from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and celebrates the wildlife and ecology of the area.Highlights of the day include:
- Billy the Blackbird Summer Trail: Families can pick up a trail map and a bag of bird feed from the Visitor's Desk for £2 to search for hidden birds.
- Wildlife Photography Workshops: Professional-level and smartphone photography sessions run by A.J.Critch Wildlife, meeting at the Charlie Owen Hide.
- Family Activities: Eco-crafts, walkabout entertainment, artisan stalls, and expert-led guided walks.
Leigh Ornithological Society will be attending leading several activities including 'Guide in the Hide' bird identification in Bunting Hide, a wild flower identification walk, a dead hedging demonstration by the Pennington Flash Volunteer Group, and activities for children in their main stand.
Come along and meet up to find out what the L.O.S. does and how you can join our friendly society and take part in our regular Friday night meetings at Leigh Library as well as our weekend field trip days.
L.O.S. Presentation - Friday 1st May 2026
Everyday Wildlife by Andy Pritchard
This is our final presentation of the season.
Andy Pritchard is an an avid, professional ethical photographer who will photograph whatever he finds wherever he is. Andy says "I don't chase wildlife around and I won’t go with the crowds as I’m good company for myself. All my images are in nature, other than Gigrin Farm. I won’t go to pay as you go sites, that isn’t me being a snob, it’s just not for me. I just love what I see and try to capture it to the best of my ability’
Meet upstairs in the Derby Room at Leigh Library on Friday 1st May for drinks and biscuits at 7pm followed by the presentation talk at 7:30pm
Admission is free, although we would like you to buy a raffle ticket, and everyone is welcome.