Tuesday this week was no different than most other Tuesday's which means JB was in my company and whilst I covered the Conder Green/Glasson Dock/ Cockersands area's extensively yesterday JB hadn't so this is where we started today and how pleased we were that we did as the 'if at first you don't succeed' theory worked to perfection. After viewing the Conder Pool from the screen for several minutes I decided to leg it to the far viewpoint to scan the rear of the island which cannot be seen from the screen and yet again lo and behold the Little - ringed Plover's have two young after all, so it's fingers and everything else crossed for a few days now to hope the many threats and predators these birds have will keep their beady eyes of them including the very handsome killers the LBB Gull's which appear to have taken a fancy to the pool though they have no intention of setting up home there to raise a family. Also of note here again today was the Spotted Redshank, 4 Common Sandpiper again, Oystercatchers have 3 young, a Kestrel and a Speckled Wood. Three singing Sedge Warbler were on Jeremy Lane. At Cockersands, 5 non - breeding Grey Plover, 32 Oystercatcher, and 2 Dunlin were on all that was left of Plover Scar at high tide.Now we are in the Trough of Bowland and at Marshaw 4 adult Common Sandpiper were again between the cattle grid and the bridge at the start of the Hawthornthwaite access track. In the Tower Lodge area 3 'new to us' Spotted Flycatcher's included a pair feeding young at a nest hole......excellent stuff! Also at least two - possibly three - Redstart, a Green Woodpecker, 4 Grey Wagtail, 3 Mistle Thrush, a Song Thrush, and in the woodland strip behind Tower Lodge a healthy number of Blue Tit's, at least 8 Willow Warbler, and a Coal Tit.
On the way home we called in at Stoops Bridge to hear a Chiffchaff briefly, and at Christ Church the most obliging Spotted Flycatcher in the country was on show promptly on our arrival again, and although about 4 House Martin were around the church for a while I personally regard the situation here as grim. At Brow Top a family party of 8 Goldfinch were seen. Although the weather was perfect for a 'butterfly day' the sightings didn't exceed 'miserable' with a solitay Speckled Wood at Conder Green, a Painted Lady at Cockersands, and two Painted Lady at Abbeystead Christ Church.
I managed a couple of decent shots on Sunday and although it has no relation to todays post the pic above is one of 'em.
Pete. See you and JB are having a very busy and rewarding start to your week. It's all happening out there at the moment and the weather's not bad either. I called in at the country's most obliging spotted flycatcher yesterday and it duly obliged. You may or may not know that the house adjoining the Church is used as a retreat. Yesterday 4 ladies were staying there and came to chat to me.They knew of the spot fly but you may be interested to learn that House Martins are nesting under the eaves of the house!! There appeared to be four nests and I understand others at the far side of the house. It would appear that some are occupied but I cannot confirm this. Further investigation required !!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this info re house and House Martins Brian. There has been activity at two nests at the church but its all a bit of a mystery as there was nothing doing today in the twenty minutes we were there although four birds were seen for a few minutes they just simply disappeared. Will keep in touch Brian.
ReplyDeleteAs a "chat officionado" Pete I'm sure you'll be pleased to know I sat down out at White Greet yesterday with 5 juv Stonechats perched together on a barbed wire fence right next to me. Those Whinchats are out there still too, but no sign of any young yet.
ReplyDeleteCIB.
Thanks for the 'aficionado' bit Colin, does this - in due course - form part of your testimonial for me......Erhummmm!
ReplyDeleteHopefully will be able to add to your excellent records re Stone/Whinchat in Cross of Greet area by tomorrow evening, or failing that Monday evening if this weather holds.