An enjoyable wander around the Lune Estuary in the week is best described as quiet, but as always had it's rewards in varying degree. But it must be said, I find it amazing how bird numbers can fluctuate dramatically at places like the Lune Estuary at Glasson, with the few seen this visit, then maybe in their thousands the next. But....mustn't grumble.
On Conder Pool, 2 Greenshank and 10 Little Grebe counted, and a limping adult Avocet remains there.
I have no idea of latest departure dates of Avocet from Conder Pool and the surrounding estuary, up to seven seen recently, and 11 Avocet were at Lytham on 26 December 2020....Perhaps the limping lone ranger is planning on spending the winter around the Lune Estuary.
On the circuit, 2 Ruff in the creeks, with 3 Black-tailed Godwit, a Greenshank and Snipe. A lone Sand Martin was the latest one ever in my book, it was over the creeks with a 'few' lingering Swallow, a Red Admiral was the only butterfly seen on the day.
On the estuary at Glasson, little of note to be honest, but an adult Mediterranean Gull picked out, 15 Wigeon, a Snipe, and 52 Canada Geese flew in from the south.
I wanted to check Plover Scar up to the high tide, if I said the scar was also quiet it would be a contradiction when I note up to 550 Dunlin, 45 Turnstone, 24 Ringed Plover, 3 Grey Plover, a single Knot and Redshank. A few Swallow hawking around Lighthouse Cottage, c.25 Skylark erupted out of the stubble field behind the cottage to fly around and return there.
Migrant Hawker.
Despite the sun disappearing behind the clouds and a cool breeze blowing by the time I arrived there. I found 18 Migrant Hawker on a walk along the canal towpath for about a mile from Glasson Dock to Conder Green.
Whirligig Beetle.
Couldn't resist a bit of footage of a few hundred beetles swirling around in the canal.
Interesting little critters, they have two pairs of compound eyes, one looking upwards over the surface of the water, the other pair looking down and under the water. Aptly named Whirligig for their unmistakable circling behaviour, they belong to the Gyrinidae family of which there are c.1,000 species worldwide, they are the only beetle to spend their entire life in a watery environment.
Red Admiral. Pete Woodruff.
A Red Admiral was in our cloudy and windy 14°C garden yesterday.
Thanks to Martin Jump for the brilliant Kingfisher header. This bird - often two - are guaranteed daily on Conder Pool given patience and time spent.
Thanks for the update from around the area
ReplyDeleteRed Admiral and Peacock in my garden this afternoon and I am sure it was a Small Copper that flew past me whilst walking through the university this morning
Strange about the Avocet hanging around.
A recent walk along the canal from Glasson to Lancaster was very quiet but brief view of a kingfisher near deep cutting.
Thanks Ian
That's a long walk Glasson - Lancaster, c.9 miles by the time you got home, but good you saw the Kingfisher Ian.
ReplyDeleteRegards....Pete.
That Avocet seems to be managing OK, Pete, but I wonder if it is remaining because it has sustained other less visible injuries which might, for example, limit its flying ability.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, I have enjoyed your video clips, but the Whirligig Beetle clip, and your information on them, was particularly interesting. Thank you.
Sorry for the late visit - been returning from the Isles of Scilly.
Best wishes - stay safe - - - Richard
It's OK, I knew there would be good reason for your belated visit, but to be honest I was taken by surprise that it was on account of your return from the Scillies....You really do get around Richard. Thank you for your continuing interest and comments on B2B.
ReplyDeleteRegards....Pete.