On Thursday it was good that I saw my first Swallow of the year, three in fact flew along the headland before heading off inland over Cockersands Abbey. I couldn't help but ponder the amazing journey they've almost completed as I watched them go by.
Stock Dove. Copy Permitted.
Also noted at Cockersands, on Plover Scar the estimated total of waders was 117, with 55 Turnstone, 22 Ringed Plover, 36 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher, and a single Knot, off the scar 8 Eider. At least 320 Golden Plover were resting but alert in one of Abbey Farm fields and most in their smart breeding plumage with 2 Stock Dove close by. I saw 2 Raven over Lighthouse Cottage before doing a u-turn inland. The Whooper Swans are still present in the area, though distant and in a much reduced uncounted number now.
On the Lune Estuary at Glasson Dock, as Mondays count, c.300 Black-tailed Godwit and 240 Bar-tailed Godwit at high tide distant in the gloom, with c.220 Redshank in view close by.
And at Conder Green, another amazing journey nearly completed, with 7 Sand Martin over the pool was a welcome sight, also 2 Raven over was good, but which I suspected were the earlier marauding Cockersands pair. The two faithful Spotted Redshank seen, with one much more advanced towards summer plumage than the other. Also noted, Common Sandpiper, just one female Goldeneye seen, one Little Grebe, a Little Egret, a Snipe, Goosander, 7 Goldfinch, a male Reed Bunting. A single Black-tailed Godwit on Conder Pool has had me concerned, it having been alone on the same island the past three visits and always asleep, but today it decided to up and away flying off apparently healthy.
Black-tailed Godwit Martin Jump
On the Lune Estuary at Glasson Dock, as Mondays count, c.300 Black-tailed Godwit and 240 Bar-tailed Godwit at high tide distant in the gloom, with c.220 Redshank in view close by.
And at Conder Green, another amazing journey nearly completed, with 7 Sand Martin over the pool was a welcome sight, also 2 Raven over was good, but which I suspected were the earlier marauding Cockersands pair. The two faithful Spotted Redshank seen, with one much more advanced towards summer plumage than the other. Also noted, Common Sandpiper, just one female Goldeneye seen, one Little Grebe, a Little Egret, a Snipe, Goosander, 7 Goldfinch, a male Reed Bunting. A single Black-tailed Godwit on Conder Pool has had me concerned, it having been alone on the same island the past three visits and always asleep, but today it decided to up and away flying off apparently healthy.
Wheatear Findlay Wilde
Still no Wheatear for me....But young Findlay has photographed these two males perfectly from the point of view they are pictured in their natural rocky habitat. Well done Findlay and thank you for allowing it on Birds2blog. Also thanks to Brian for the Swallow, and to Martin for the BTG.
No Swallow for me yet Pete, cant see any reason for there lateness this year.
ReplyDeleteWonderfull shots, greeting from Belgium
ReplyDeleteLook at how many birds you've got, lovely bunch.
ReplyDeleteWarren....With the weather today I see you still had no Swallow today (Monday, I'm predicting one tomorrow for you.
ReplyDeleteRetriever....Thanks for looking in n Birds2blog, I appreciate this.
Bob....Yes a 'lovely bunch' but most of the migrants are still off the radar.