....And A Raptor To Boot!!

My visit started at Conder Pool....well where else.

There were 87 Wigeon present, with 9 Little Grebe, and a lone Snipe. A Roe Deer in the long grasses at the east end of the pool represents a first record for me on Conder Pool. 

The good number of 345 geese on Conder Pool 1 December had relocated, in fact a record of precisely 499 were reported, being 409 Greylag and 90 Canada Geese on Glasson Marsh 5 December. All was revealed about the absence of geese from Conder Pool, when I found a similarly large number of Greylag and a lesser number of Canada Geese on Jeremy Lane.

Fieldfare Moss Lane. Howard Stockdale.

Driving along Moss Lane, a flock of around 50 Fieldfare were the second flock I've seen from a moving vehicle in the past week. I have yet to have good views of any winter thrush this winter.

 Stonechat Cockersand. Martin Jump.

At Cockersand, a pair of Stonechat were working their way along the marsh towards Crook Cottage. My best encounter by far this year was at least 2,500 Pink-footed Geese in fields between Lighthouse Cottage and Abbey Farm, but with binoculars only I found nothing 'odd' amongst them. Also in the field by Abbey Farm, up to 150 Black-tailed Godwit seen, and on a wander around, 14 Snipe took to flight out of ditches and damp areas.

As I arrived back at the Caravan Park from the circuit, things progressively got better and more exciting. First a Stonechat was on the marsh edge, then a Barn Owl flew through the gate by Lower Bank House and promptly flew back and out of sight. But best of the day - after the Stonechat - was yet to come.

Flight of Dunlin off Plover Scar. Martin Jump.

I spied a Merlin perched distant on a post in the middle of the marsh, the raptor soon took off to take out a Dunlin which it immediately dropped, at which point 2 Carrion Crow on the shore and having witnessed this, seized the opportunity to pounce and started to pluck the unfortunate Dunlin.

Thanks to Howard and Martin for their excellent images, they are much appreciated.