I couldn't believe my luck on Tuesday when - having been earlier in the day - I returned to the Lune Estuary at Glasson Dock at around 3.30pm for one of my return visits which often pay dividends and certainly did so today.
Scouring through 550 Golden Plover with 25 Dunlin and 6 Knot on the far side of the River Lune from the bowling green, there it was, the Little Stint, small enough to have run between the legs of the Golden Plovers. Two minutes after I found the Little Stint a Peregrine Falcon came on the scene to reveal a few thousand waders in the air - up to 5k of them Lapwings - as far as the eye could see. Also noted on the estuary, c.220 Black-tailed Godwit and 7 Goldeneye. On the canal basin, the scarce here drake Pochard, a Great-crested Grebe, and the lone Pink-footed Goose.
But as is usually the case, I had started at Conder Green where I found the Common Sandpiper in the creeks where I saw three of 9 Little Grebe, the other six on Conder Pool where I noted 18 Curlew, 2 Snipe, and a drake Goosander.
At Cockersands, the Buzzard was again perched on the same branch of the same tree as two previous visits here, I had no idea a Buzzard would be so site faithful right down to the same branch. An excellent count of at least 290 Whooper Swan, with 2 Bewicks Swan seen, maybe more if I'd have tried harder, but these birds were spread far and wide from Moss Lane towards Bank End. Off Crook farm, 140 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Knot seen, and in and around Bank Houses horse paddock, 15 Blackbird and 2 Robin.
As I rounded the corner at Conder Green on my way back to Lancaster, I glimpsed a Barn Owl disappearing over the Conder Pool hedgerow, but pulling into the lay-by at the pool and diving out of the car wasn't quick enough to see the bird again.
Stonechats.
But as is usually the case, I had started at Conder Green where I found the Common Sandpiper in the creeks where I saw three of 9 Little Grebe, the other six on Conder Pool where I noted 18 Curlew, 2 Snipe, and a drake Goosander.
Buzzard. Gary Jones.
At Cockersands, the Buzzard was again perched on the same branch of the same tree as two previous visits here, I had no idea a Buzzard would be so site faithful right down to the same branch. An excellent count of at least 290 Whooper Swan, with 2 Bewicks Swan seen, maybe more if I'd have tried harder, but these birds were spread far and wide from Moss Lane towards Bank End. Off Crook farm, 140 Black-tailed Godwit and 3 Knot seen, and in and around Bank Houses horse paddock, 15 Blackbird and 2 Robin.
As I rounded the corner at Conder Green on my way back to Lancaster, I glimpsed a Barn Owl disappearing over the Conder Pool hedgerow, but pulling into the lay-by at the pool and diving out of the car wasn't quick enough to see the bird again.
Stonechats.
Stonechat. Gary Jones.
I am again grateful for the record of 10 Stonechat at Lytham Moss on Tuesday. Thanks to AC for passing these on to me.
The peregrine didn't predate the Stint then pete!
ReplyDeleteThe Buzzards on my patch can often be seen on the same perch during the winter months :-)
I too have noticed how Buzzards favour a very particular spot, Pete. I've got one at the moment that can reliably be found on a solitary post a couple of hundred metres from the location where I've been photographing the Short-eared Owl. I've been thinking for a week or two now about setting up there to photograph it, as a diversion from the Shortie.
ReplyDeleteI'm very envious of your Barn Owl sightings. I've not seen one for a few months now!
I love the kestrel header image. Thank you for your kind words on my blog. Best wishes - - - Richard
Interesting how 'perch faithful' the Buzzard can be. But until I found this regular bird at Cockersands, the majority of my sightings have been usually soaring overhead.
ReplyDeleteThanks to both for the feedback, much appreciated.
Hi Pete!!! Congrats.. Love the first pic.. The Buzzard.. Have a great weekend
ReplyDeletePete.Another excellent day out for you on your patch. Good to find the stint again and good to finish off with another barn owl.The barnies are being seen all over the place at the moment.I have had more super sightings at Martin Mere this week.Enjoy the weekend.
ReplyDeleteAna/Brian....Just to thank you both for your visits to Birds2blog, and for your much appreciated comments.
ReplyDeleteGreat sightings Pete especially the barn owl - Gary and I are travelling up to Martin Mere tomorrow in the hope of seeing the barn owl that Brian talks of - it is a bird that has eluded us somewhat! Even if it doesn't show it's still a great place to visit. Nice to see Gary's photos featured, that stonechat was a little character
ReplyDeleteThanks for this Sharon.
ReplyDeleteSurely in with a good chance of the Barn Owl at Martin Mere and hopefully some excellent images for me to look out for in due course.