Bullfinch with thanks to David Cookson.Having to be back in Lancaster at 1.00pm today I was quick off the mark this morning, not as quick as in the 'milkman' days when I was out of the pit by 4.00am hail, rain, or shine......no thank you very much. Conder Pool very nearly collected an unwelcome first this morning in that, save for 2 Little Grebe and a Kingfisher as I turned to leave the viewing platform, it would have had its first total blank in bird life......perish the thought. The creeks held a Common Sandpiper, 4 Snipe, and 12 Redshank. I was encouraged to see at least 12 House Martin's still around River Winds and still appearing to be visiting a couple of nests, a Dunnock was the only other bird noted on the hour it took me to do the circuit and search the nooks and crannies of the area. If I'd have been asked by someone to find the birds of Conder Green today I'd have demanded £20 an hour for the effort.
On the Lune Estuary from Glasson Dock 'something' put the waders to flight revealing c.3,000 Lapwing, when they settled again estimates in view were, 450 Redshank, 360 Golden Plover, 25 Dunlin, and 4 Black - tailed Godwit, 25 Snipe were in flight again today (Mondays birds?) and a solitary Ringed Plover is something of a rarity here along with the Turnstone if/when seen.
At Cockersands another nook's/crannies/fields/and bushes circuit was a bit thin and with Plover Scar being completely ruined by yet another 'numpty' with two large hounds which covered the scar inch by inch whilst he appeared to be intent on actually trying to enter the lighthouse, he certainly stood literally below the building which surely can't be done many times in a year with tides so low. Back to the purpose of the posting......I managed to record just three species on the circular, 3 Wheatear 'still' in Kellets field, c.25 Tree Sparrow, and 11 Linnet. On the morning I managed 5 Small Tortoiseshell.
As a matter of interest a year ago today a Black - necked Grebe was on Conder Pool in contrast to this mornings poor show, and later in the month I recorded an amazing up to 400 Goldfinch in the Conder Green area on 22 September.
Siskin with thanks to Peter Guy.A brief look in at Broadway in Morecambe at high tide revealed 2 Little Egret on the groyne here.
Hi Pete,
ReplyDeleteI took the afternoon off yesterday for a Ribble stroll. Super weather (no Pink-feet) and thought how funny it is when dreary "early autumn" turns to "late summer" when the sun's out. That Bullfinch pic is one of the most evocative photos I've seen for a long time by the way.
CB.
Thanks again for comments Colin.
ReplyDeleteYes the Bullfinch pic is certainly stunning. I probably often keep repeating myself on the blog but I'm not at all worried about that and void of any intention to sound patronising David Cookson (and others) certainly does do some excellent photography.