Spotted Redshank. Pete Woodruff.
As photographs go, this one of the Spotted Redshank at Conder Green on Wednesday, fits nicely into the 'dodgy' category, but never mind, it's a record shot of an adult back again, no doubt to spend the winter here. The Common Sandpiper was also seen as another 'no doubt' for the winter here, with 15 Little Grebe and 5 Wigeon on Conder Pool bringing up the rear.
On the Lune Estuary, waders here were remarkably low in number, but a figure probably in excess of 2,500 gulls - predominantly Black-headed Gull - included 2 adult Mediterranean Gull, I'd suggest surely more amongst this lot, 18 Black-tailed Godwit and a Goosander.
A couple of hours at Cockersand provided little of note save 2 Wheatear, c.70 Linnet on the rooftops at Abbey Farm, and up to 35 Small Tortoiseshell seen.
Fewer Swallows seen moving through Cockersand today than of late, but some were on and off the wires by Lighthouse Cottage.
Swallows. Pete Woodruff.
Fewer Swallows seen moving through Cockersand today than of late, but some were on and off the wires by Lighthouse Cottage.
Early Birds.
Interesting to see a report of 13 Whooper Swan flying south across Morecambe Bay on the early date of Wednesday 14 September, 8 Barnacle Geese flying west past Knott End yesterday Friday 16 September, with Pink-footed Geese back in the area too.
Thanks for the photograph Peter and to Brian for the header BTG's, both much appreciated.
The down side of all this, is that my birding has been derailed once again and I've not been out since Wednesday, and doesn't look like I will again until Monday at the earliest....Pass the anti-depressants please!!
Whooper Swans. Fluke Hall 14 September. Peter Rhind.
Interesting to see a report of 13 Whooper Swan flying south across Morecambe Bay on the early date of Wednesday 14 September, 8 Barnacle Geese flying west past Knott End yesterday Friday 16 September, with Pink-footed Geese back in the area too.
Thanks for the photograph Peter and to Brian for the header BTG's, both much appreciated.
The down side of all this, is that my birding has been derailed once again and I've not been out since Wednesday, and doesn't look like I will again until Monday at the earliest....Pass the anti-depressants please!!
Just noticed your blog post on YBW. The first record from this area was actually three at Heysham NR on I think 22/9/85. The prophecy for 2015 was correct with 27 in this area autumn 2015. However all but two (in mist nets at Leighton Moss) were found by the same half dozen observers between Heysham Head and Fluke Hall and this reflects, I suggest, the strategy with the main Sunderland observer (Dan), for example, going over all the likely habitat twice on two circuits with coastal sycamores and willows favoured. As regards wintering - a week in Fuerteventura in winter 2014 saw high single figures located, mainly in or around tall trees in the towns. Other observers found extra ones. Lanzorote had even more I think. Dan then found the first two for Menorca in winter 2015! Why then, don't we get them on spring passage through western Europe! PS the medium range weather forecast looks awful for a repeat of 2015 on this side, although there are quite a few already in the east
ReplyDeleteThanks for this Pete, always appreciate your input.
ReplyDeleteThe three YBW you mention at Heysham in September 1985 were in fact one of only two Lancashire multiple occurrences of the species, the second being two more birds at Heysham four year later in September 1989.
I hope your weather is better than ours today - Pete, that is, if you do manage to get out today as you suggested. We've got drizzle at the moment, scheduled to turn into heavy rain for the rest of the day anytime now!
ReplyDeleteI love BR's image that you're using as a header at the moment - very artistic!
Best wishes - - - Richard
Several multiples last year, pete - will be published soon. Heysham, Middleton and Sunderland
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