Shank Returns....

....and some other birds I noted today.

It was good that JB could get out with me today, and also good to see the Spotted Redshank - another bird on cue - had returned to Conder Green along with - the now increased from yesterdays four - at least 10 Common Sandpipers which have once again established CG to be the best location in our area to find these birds in number on their return journey, also of note here this morning was 4 Greenshank.

Lesser Black-backed Gull. Pete Woodruff.  

I reckon these two brutes have failed in their breeding attempt on Conder Pool, but another bird on here this morning which certainly didn't have me jumping up and down with delight was the Grey Heron, and there was little more than a split second glimpse of what 'could' have been an adult Little Ringed Plover. A brief call in at Cockersands resulted in a count of 45 Eider off Plover Scar.

A revisit to Bowland and the area between Marshaw and Trough Bridge produced 8 Spotted Flycatcher, void of any serious lengthy searches this number is another example of 'the best in our area' for a species, based on my observations since their arrival I'd suggest at least seven pairs here this year, and although ten birds are already on return at Conder Green at least one Common Sandpiper remains here several miles from a good fattening up location on the coast. Also good here today was 2 Lesser Redpoll one of which was a smart little male, 5 Redstart, 3 Nuthatch, and 3 Grey Wagtail. On the way home we found the Spotted Flycatcher again at Christ Church, Abbeystead.

Meadow Pipit. John Bateman.

This young Meadow Pipit was being fed by a parent bird at the summit of the Trough Road in Bowland. Thanks for the excellent photograph and another great days birding with you John.