Against The Odds.

Around the Lune Estuary yesterday, on a day that was against the odds and anything but ideal for birding, especially along the headland at Cockersand, where there was a mini westerly howler on a cold, dull, and damp day. I ended with an hour at Glasson and Conder Green, as the day progressed it wasn't until then that birding livened up if only a little.

Curlew. Richard O'Meara. 

I'd got it into my head, that the 10.32m high tide might be best at Cockersand, when the fields would hopefully hold a few thousand waders again, but unpredictable as they are, in the main the birds were elsewhere, though notable were estimates of 150 Curlew, 120 Turnstone, and a similar number of Dunlin, barely 50 Golden Plover, with Redshank and Lapwing present. Two Kestrel seen were one hovering at Lighthouse Cottage and one at Bank Houses. Spread about over three fields, some distant and difficult to account for, but at least 275 Whooper Swan seen.

Linnet. Pete Woodruff.

On Bodie Hill at Glasson, c.60 flighty Linnet, and on the canal basin, 2 Goldeneye drake and a Great-crested Grebe noted. On Conder Pool, a drake Goosander and 24 Tufted Duck. In the creeks, a female Goosander and a Grey Wagtail, a Little Grebe was the only one seen today, with 2 Goldeneye drake down the channel towards the Conder mouth. From the coastal path, 18 Fieldfare briefly with at least one Redwing, 25 Long-tailed Tit, 42 Goldfinch, and a Song Thrush.

Common Sandpiper. Bob Bushell.

Two Common Sandpiper at Conder Green yesterday, didn't need me to see them together five times since 6 October as more confirmation they are both wintering here this year.

And finally....

Chough. Noushka. 

With the long staying bird at Heysham in mind and still there today, I couldn't resist this brilliant image of the six in France....There's an excellent set of more Chough Here....Many thanks Noushka.

Thanks also to Richard for his Curlew, to Bob for his Common Sandpiper, and to yours truly for the not so excellent Linnets!