Nothing Ventured....Nothing Gained.

I ventured again on Friday, but gained nothing too exceptional.

Kingfisher. Howard Stockdale.

But I was overdue a Kingfisher at Conder Green and one obligingly came on to the pool outlet briefly before flying off. Both Common Tern were seen on Conder Pool, 3 Little Grebe, Great-crested Grebe, and a Little Egret. In the creeks, Spotted Redshank, 2 Common Sandpiper, and the solitary Black-tailed Godwit looking lonely though splendid in its summer plumage.

On the Lune estuary, an adult Mediterranean Gull wasn't Thursdays green ringed bird, c.150 Golden Plover seen again, with c.500 Lapwing/Redshank appearing to be a pretty even mix, a 'few' Dunlin. Four Little Egret included two on Colloway Marsh.

The Lighthouse Off Plover Scar. Pete Woodruff.

Birding at Cockersands doesn't just afford a good variety of common birds, it offers - and has an excellent history of - the scarce and rare, it also has superb scenery in all directions.

Turnstone. Howard Stockdale

Plover Scar held a lower number of waders than on Thursday with little more than 100 birds by the time I left 30 minutes prior to high tide, with a single Sanderling, an estimated 75 Dunlin, 25 Ringed Plover, 10 Turnstone, 2 Whimbrel, and Whimbrel heard in flight. Two Little Egret were off Crook Farm.

Thanks to Howard for the brilliant Kingfisher and Turnstone, to see how brilliant 'clik the pik'. Also thanks to Warren for the excellent header image of the stunning little Whinchat, I'm hoping to see one on passage anytime soon. 

The Conder Common Terns.

A Fylde birder contacted me yesterday with news that he had observed the best evidence to date to suggest young being fed in the nest. With two lengthy sessions of watching them both adult birds were seen in the air together, one carrying fish to the nest, and the other going away presumably for more.... nothing 100% but looking good.