To say the 4,000+Black-tailed Godwit were still on Conder Pool on Monday, is the obvious contradiction to the title of this post. But although on a nice sunny early March day albeit too windy for my liking, around the Lune Estuary was generally quiet on the sightings scene, with little possibility of finding any early migrants.
*Three Sand Martin reported yesterday Leighton Moss RSPB Reserve....LDBWS
As I started to make a video, the godwits were spooked by something eyes right, necks stretched and flew off.
The only other notable thing about the visit to Conder Pool, was a lone Bar-tailed Godwit in the midst of the godwit mass. That said, 4 Buzzard were together over the woods to the NE of Conder Green, seen as a group probably from nearby territories, a common social pattern and behavior by the Buzzard soaring in spring.
Off Moss Lane, a Cattle Egret was with 75 Whooper Swan, and at Cockersand, a Merlin took off from the footbridge over a ditch on the north side of Bank House, and flew over the field behind the caravan park. I saw just the one female Stonechat, a lingering wintering bird along the bulrush ditch off Slack Lane.
Garden Birds.
Excellent news for the Woodruff's when 2 Robin were seen in the garden, one collecting moss with thoughts of breeding, the other taking a bath. Also, a Siskin continues to make occasional visits to the feeders.
And our resident Blackbird was serenading in the moonlight at dusk yesterday, not quite in full voice, but pleasant all the same.
Stonechat Passage.
With some excellent Stonechat data, AC was in touch to report 20 Stonechat he has seen since mid-February, and points out the difference of 40 seen this time last year....Thanks Andrew, much appreciate your enthusiasm.
The Header.
Flying the kite on the beach at Sandylands on Sunday with his kids. A friendly man who agreed with me, Lancaster City Council has pulled the plug on this years Catch The Wind Festival. The festival is the highlight of the summer season in Morecambe attracting up to 20,000 visitors....Dumped by a bunch of muppets.
Thanks to the friendly man for his brilliant Owl Kite in my header image.
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The Godwits were still there this afternoon but unfortunately I was looking into the bright sun.
ReplyDeleteNice to hear the Blackbird putting in a night shift.
By the sounds of it pretty quiet at Cockersands then.
Colourful kite in the header and video.
Thanks for the update as usual.
Yes, very quiet at Cockersand, a bit of the lull before the storm scenario Ian, and yes the kite was brilliant even down to the feet and talons.
DeleteRegards....Pete.
Your note about the Sand Martins will have me taking a look at our local Sand Martin wall at the first opportunity, Pete - but I need the mud on the trail to it to dry out a bit first!
ReplyDeleteThat owl kite is a real work of art - fabulous!
Best wishes - - - Richard
I reckon the Sand Martin wall will have dried out before they pitch up. The Owl Kite was certainly a fabulous work of art.
ReplyDeleteHope things are continuing in the right direction with you both Richard.
Regards....Pete.