Closed!

The Lune Estuary gave the impression it was closed on Monday, with sightings at a premium, and not for want of time and effort, although.... 

Three Common Sandpiper had arrived at Conder Green, a lone Black-tailed Godwit was in the creeks, and 2 Avocet appear to have settled in on Conder Pool. A few Swallow and Sand Martin were high over the canal basin at Glasson Dock, and 2 Stock Dove on Jeremy Lane.

Golden Plover. Pete Woodruff.

A male Merlin drifted past me a few metres below the headland at Cockersand before veering left over the field by the abbey and out of sight. A White Wagtail and 48 Golden Plover behind the Lighthouse Cottage, in an image showing classic lack of Woodruff photographic skills.

Marsh Marigold. Pete Woodruff. 

I found the Marsh Marigold in a ditch at Cockersand whilst looking through the Golden Plover on Monday. A common and widespread flower, though I've seen it nowhere else at Cockersand - maybe I've not tried hard enough - it has protection status.