Keeping the Tradition....

....the three wise men set off on their Friday tour of one of the best coastal areas in Lanc's.

It's almost an embarrassment to record just c.200 Pink - footed Geese on Aldcliffe Marsh when in the back of my mind at least I know damn well people are seeing three of our 'Owls' here at the moment. The only excuse I can put up is that we had other business to attend to....so lingered not.

At Conder Green the Spotted Redshank and Greenshank fare today was one and two respectfully, a Grey Plover. Also to note here, the Common Sandpiper, 2 Little Grebe, and 3 Goldeneye were on Conder Pool. Also noted here was Mark Prestwood who probably won't thank me for this, but I must say he's just about the nicest person/experienced birder you could wish to meet anywhere on your travels, always cheerful and never a negative comment to be made....nice to have seen you again Mark after quite some time.

At Glasson Dock on the Lune Estuary, 2 Peregrine Falcon and a Little Egret were on Colloway Marsh, otherwise about 9.5m of tidal water.

On Moss Lane 42 Whooper Swans appeared to probably have included the 36 seen yesterday on Jeremy Lane, also three Bewick's Swan's included a juvenile.

In the field opposite Gulf Lane from the A588, a Tundra Bean Goose (thanks for pointing us in the right direction Mark) was with c.3000 Pink - footed Geese, also a Little Egret came out of a ditch here. From Fluke Hall Lane, 2 Little Egret were over Fluke Hall Wood, a female Stonechat here is regarded by me- as the one at Conder Green yesterday was - to be an early passage bird.

What appears to be the last remaining Short - eared Owl on Bradshaw Lane gave yet more excellent views as it quartered the field it appears to be spending its entire life in - as it has been quartering this field consistently for something like six recent visits here by me/us - but not for much longer surely. A quick tour round this area produced c.80 Fieldfare and a single Redwing at Out Rawcliffe.

Thought the pic would give a feel of things to come. I'm not suggesting anyone who visits the blog won't know the butterflies but clockwise from the top left....Painted Lady, Comma, Speckled Wood, and Wall Brown.