The Short List.

First days birding in eight days for JB and I was beginning to feel sorry for him. Today was a bit of a struggle, after all its still only early July and things haven't quite got going yet but although it was hard work at times I would call it enjoyable hard work.

We arrived at Conder Green this morning and didn't take long to count at least 10 Common Sandpiper - well JB did anyway - Little - ringed Plover had already been seen in the creeks but eventually four were seen to fly on to the pool and frustratingly disappeared out of view behind one of the islands but its reasonable to assume they would have been seen as two adults with their offspring accompanied by the older juvenile which has been seen more than once on here recently. Also 2 Spotted Redshank, 3 Greenshank, 162 Redshank were counted on here today, and c.6 Long - tailed Tit were at the corner of the Caravan Park at the far end of the pool. Two visits to Glasson Dock either side of the tide were largely unproductive because of the height of water, it is worth noting that up to three hours either side of the high tide is necessary for 'ideal' birding conditions here. However, 9 Bar - tailed Godwit and c.500 Redshank were to note. On the far side of Bodie Hill in the roadside gutter was an adult Red - legged Partridge with a downy young which was a first for me, the birds were fortunate enough to have had the sense to go back through the hedge and into the field moments before a wagon rounded the corner and which would have almost certainly have flattened the pair of them.

Another invasion for me this week into Fylde territory produced 2 adult Mediterranean Gull at Cockers Dyke, and at Pilling Lane Ends entrance to the picnic area 2 Jay posed out in the open on a fence post giving JB an opportunity to get a good shot of the pair of them but unfortunately the birds thought differently and promptly left the perch moments after a Kestrel had joined them on a post just a few metres away.

An unfortunate incident was observed from Glasson Dock this afternoon which was a black mark against dog owners who allow their animals to roam free and unattended. About 100 Mute Swan were at rest on the marsh at the mouth of the Conder Estuary when they took to the water en masse as fast as they could - Mute Swan's are big birds and cannot move with speed - we were soon to discover a black Labrador was after the birds and moving far too fast for them, however they were lucky enough to get into the river too deep for the dog to swim at any pace but the last bird in was very lucky to escape from this rampant dog which would certainly have killed this Mute Swan with no doubt in my mind. In keeping with my policy of steering clear of controversy on this blog I'll make no further comment but could easily be persuaded to do so.

If there are any 'insect' experts viewing my blog I would be more than obliged if they could ID the beetle (?) in the pic above taken today at Fluke Hall.