Uplands And Lowlands.

Stonechat Martin Jump

Based on my last experience with the Stonechat at Clougha on my last visit there on 5 January when I found ten birds, most of which were in an area not covered before, I was really looking forward to a return visit yesterday in the hope I could replicate, but it didn't happen, the wind was much stronger than expected once up there, and certainly not conducive to finding what I was looking for, though in a sheltered area at the start of the visit before I reached the top of Birk Bank I did find a pair of Stonechat which spurred me on, though to no avail. But whilst up here, it was good to see 2 Raven, count 22 Red Grouse, 4 Wren, and 2 Snipe flushed.

So, although I spent four hours on Clougha and across the top of Birk Bank, I abandoned upland birding earlier than was planned - I was hoping to get at least six hours in - and went off to the lowlands and Conder Green for a couple of hours, though even this idea was a badly timed one as the tide was at it's height and if it was waders I was after it wasn't looking good. Ne'r mind, the Spotted Redshank was waiting to show itself to me, and 2 Little Grebe were also in the creeks.

2nd Winter Mediterranean Gull/Black-headed Gull Jan Larsson  

When I got to Glasson Dock I soon found what turned out to be my 'Bird of the Day' in a 2nd winter Mediterranean Gull on the Lune Estuary. At least 2,500 Golden Plover and c.350 Black-tailed Godwit were below Colloway Marsh, and 10 Goldeneye drifting on the river. On the canal basin, a drake Goosander and Great-crested Grebe were of note.

Not quite the day I had hoped for, but a good excuse for posting an excellent Stonechat and Mediterranean Gull image, with thanks and much appreciation to Martin and Jan.