A pretty strong howler from the north and cold with it, took the edge off a decent day, but came nowhere close to ruining my enjoyment at the sight of 14 Rock Pipit and a Water Pipit at Cockersand on Friday.
A female Stonechat was again in the long grasses and marsh by the parking area at high tide, and a male seen again at the far end of the rough field behind Lower Bank Houses, seen twice previously, but always distant and busy.
I didn't linger at Cockersand after a couple of hour of pipit watching, but pulled up as I drove away to count c.130 Pink-footed Geese in the same field by Abbey Farm as found 14 January, also a few uncounted Golden Plover. I didn't pull up on Moss Lane, but as I drove by, at least 300 Whooper Swan presumably accompanied by Bewick's Swans in a field west of Gardener's Farm, and on Jeremy Lane 122 Greylag and a Kestrel hovering overhead.
On the Canal Basin at Glasson Dock, 12 Goldeneye were ruling the waves, with 18 Tufted Duck, and 2 Goosander noted.
Conder Pool was hosting a nice 84 Black-tailed Godwit until there was some disturbance and they departed west. A Little Grebe, 2 Goosander, 35 Wigeon, and a Snipe noted.
Rock Pipit at Cockersand.
Fourteen Rock Pipit, probably the best count at Cockersand in recent times, certainly a personal best ever, 10 here 12 years ago LDBWS Annual Report 2010.
A pint of lager and a packet of crisps please....Rock On!
The ducks in that first video, Pete, had me feeling as if it was me bobbing up and down on a trampoline!
ReplyDeleteTake good care and stay safe - Coviud numbers are shooting up locally and are currently at their highest ever!
Best wishes - - - Richard