Of note on Conder Pool Wednesday, a Stonechat flew west past the viewing platform to perch briefly on a fence post below the hedgerow. Given time and patience every visit here, the Kingfisher perched by the sluice, and 7 Little Grebe counted. At the north end of Jeremy Lane, 252 Greylag and 12 Canada Geese.
As I drove towards the shore at Cockersand, a Short-eared Owl was quartering the field on the north side of Bank House Cottage.
Five minutes later as I set off on the circuit, the owl was obligingly perched up on a fence post by the paddock at Bank Houses, as it has been for dozens of photographers according to several websites I've visited over the past few days.
On the circuit, up to 350 Golden Plover were in a field south of Abbey Farm. Numbers of Curlew and Redshank were in coastal fields feeding, and at least 15 Meadow Pipit were in stubble by Lighthouse Cottage. A Snipe lifted out of a field, from where I saw a pair of Greenfinch and a Song Thrush.
The swans have moved on again, with only 7 Whooper Swan including 2 juvenile in the field off Slack Lane.
On my return from the circuit to the parking area near the caravan park two hours later, 12 cars were parked up and at least 20 birders/photographers were filling their boots with Short-eared/Barn/Little Owl piks, with possible Hen Harrier/Marsh Harrier/Merlin/Sparrowhawk/Kestrel. That's a list of 8 raptors at and around the Cockersand area, all recorded in the past week, and doesn't include Buzzard which can be seen here frequently.
Picture Gallery.
I'm in receipt of four excellent images, each one much appreciated and with a little story behind them....All worthy of viewing Full Screen.
Goosander Haslam Park. Martin Jump.
Martin has been getting some great results from a project involving a peak count of 21 Goosander as a first record for Haslam Park....Thank You Martin.
Short-eared Owl Cockersand 20 November. Susan Wilson.
On request Susan sent me this image of the Short-eared Owl currently performing for all comers at Cockersand. But following my request, having processed my own efforts, to discover I achieved some decent stuff worthy of publishing. However, this takes nothing away from my gratitude for sending me this stunning image of the equally stunning owl....Thank You Susan.
Quite remarkably, Ian Hartley found this smart little 1st year Barred Warbler whilst engaged with a work party erecting a new tern raft on Tuesday. With the same working party, Howard Stockdale took some amazing images of the warbler....Thanks for the find Ian, and thanks for the image Howard.
It gave me much pleasure when Howard sent this unsolicited image of my most favourite raptor....Thank You Howard.
Conder Pool & Cockersand Deliver Yet Again....NEXT PLEASE!
Wow, that's a late Barred Warbler. Some lovely footage of the Short eared Owl and some fine shots, particularly the Merlin. Take care.
ReplyDeletePerhaps being on found on the west coast in the UK mid-November as opposed to the east, makes it a bigger surprise than being 'late'.
DeleteRegards....Pete.
Some great pictures and videos here Pete, very enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteCockersands seems to be coming something of a raptor hotspot - hope they don’t get too much disturbance.
A good read - thanks as always.
Ian Mitchell
'A good read - thanks as always'....Thank You Ian.
ReplyDeleteWon't go any further down the disturbance road for now, might upset a few!
Regards....Pete.
Hello Pete,
ReplyDeleteyour observations are great but the picture of Susan with the owl, well, that makes me a little jealous..;-))
Greetings Frank
The Short-eared Owl quickly gained popularity, and was well observed and photographed by many. Always appreciate your visits and comments Frank.
ReplyDeleteRegards....Pete.