Snow Bunting Marc Heath
Along the embankment just to the north of Plover Scar at Cockersand, there's a section of large boulder sea defence, as I walked along here on Monday I watched a Wren go down amongst the boulders. As I approached this area an hour later on my return, I saw a movement on the boulders and muttered to myself 'that's the Wren again', but by now it was almost 4.00pm and getting dark, the bird made a move and came into view to reveal itself as a Snow Bunting, but it flew off a short distance, I caught up with it and got another glimpse as it flew off yet again. Despite spending 20 minutes along the embankment I never saw the bird again, though thankful for small mercies this was another one that got away....well nearly.
On Plover Scar at high tide, 108 Turnstone, and c.350 Oystercatcher, with 75 Wigeon and 5 Teal off here. In the field by Bank Houses Cottage, 65 Curlew seen, and a Buzzard was on the lookout from an Abbey Farm rooftop. The swan herd was still at Thursland Hill and almost certainly holds the c.340 Whooper Swan counted on 5 December, but the field on Moss Lane which held last Friday's 7 Bewick's Swans had cleared out to leave just 2 Whooper Swan - an adult and juvenile - with 2 Mute Swan.
On the Lune Estuary at Glasson Dock, 'the' Little Stint again gave good mid-distance views, a Spotted Redshank, 20 Black-tailed Godwit, a single Bar-tailed Godwit, 25 Snipe, 2 Red-breasted Merganser, and a Goosander, a Little Grebe was at the Conder mouth. Five Goldeneye on the canal basin brought a new peak count of ten on the Lune Estuary, also noted on the basin, c.60 Coot and 20 Tufted Duck.
Redwing. Pete Woodruff.
Along the coastal path to Conder Green, a few Redwing around, at least 10 Blackbird, 3 Reed Bunting, 3 Robin, 3 Wren, Great Tit, Blue Tit, and a Dunnock. On Conder Pool, always good to see 7 Black-tailed Godwit on here, 19 Curlew, 2 Snipe, and 4 Little Grebe, the faithful Spotted Redshank was in the creeks and was evidence of two on the estuary now.
Thanks for the Snow Bunting Marc, excellent and much appreciated, I needed a torch to see my bird.
TO ALL MY FOLLOWERS OF BIRDS2BLOG.
BE IT REGULAR OR OCCASIONAL, I APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT WHICH GIVES ME THE INCENTIVE TO TRY TO KEEP IT ALL GOING.
A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE.
I'd be surprised if the Snow Bunting flew off because of your presence, Pete, as all of the few that I have met have been amazingly confiding, and approachable to within a few metres without frightening them off. Possibly they're afraid of the dark?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your encouragement in 2016.
My very best wishes to you for Christmas. I hope you have a great 2017 - - - - Richard
Hola Pete,te deseo un Feliz Navidad.Un fuerte abrazo amigo
ReplyDeleteRichard....It's the second of two excellent birds I found - Wryneck 13 April 2015 the other - which gave me little more than a few seconds view before promptly disappearing, but the Snow Bunting wouldn't have escaped me given some daylight. A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS, with good wishes to you for 2017.
ReplyDeleteAntonio....Thank you for stopping by. Good wishes to you for A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS and for 2017.
Brilliance of those that produced the Bunting & Redwing, absolutely stunning photos. Happy Christmas and new year 2017 Pete.
ReplyDeleteYour'e too kind re the Redwing pic Bob, but a million thanks you's.
ReplyDeleteSincere Best Wishes for Christmas to yourself and family....PEACE.
Hi Pete
ReplyDeleteMay see you up at Abbeystead. I ran form Lea to Ward Stone then onto Tarnbrook the other week.....lots of grouse on the top track but little else. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. All the best Simon.
Hope very much to see you up there in Bowland perhaps in the new year.
ReplyDeleteA VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR to you too Simon.