A nice little trio of waders at Conder Green on Monday were seen as the rapidly transforming Spotted Redshank in the creeks. On Conder Pool, an adult male Ruff is also transforming into breeding plumage, also present 2 Little Ringed Plover, with 2 Black-tailed Godwit. up to 10 Avocet were the only ones in view.
The Ruff was a little distant for footage of any quality, but there was entertainment provided by a male Redshank pursuing the female with no sign of any letup in the chase for several minutes.
At Cockersand, there was no sign of any Whooper Swan, but up to 2,500 Pink-footed Geese were distant in fields on the north side of Bank End Farm. A Raven was high over head, probably the highest I have ever seen a soaring Raven, a count of 52 Eider were on the estuary between Plover Scar and Crook Farm.
At Bank House I saw 2 Tree Sparrow, these were the first I have recorded at Cockersand since I saw 16 on 10 October 2023, they were in company with half a dozen House Sparrow. I don't recall ever seeing the two species literally side by side. Hybrids between the two are rare, the only record I know of, is that of a bird in Somerset probably 40 years ago, which showed mixed characters obviously intermediate between the two.
Do Not Disturb.
Four bodies with seven mutts decided a visit to the seaside was a good idea.
I'm really hoping this is going to be the only time they decide to trespass out on to Plover Scar. This is a known breeding site for the Ringed Plover, and today there was no chance of me seeing the odd Sandwich Tern plunge diving off here, which I did in early May 2018.
It's important to know, Plover Scar is an essential high tide roost for waders, and is within a SSSI - Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Hi Pete, beautiful photos. I hope I see eider next month on holiday. Sometimes we see them in the North of the Netherlands.
ReplyDeleteThanks Caroline. Hope you do see the Eider, a beautiful duck, and hope you enjoy the holiday.
ReplyDeleteRegards....Pete.
Interesting read Pete glad you’re seeing plenty.
ReplyDeleteShame about the dogs and disturbance, more dogs about these days after covid lockdown.
Seems like plenty to see at Conder Pool at the moment.
Nice header picture.
Ian Mitchell
Thanks for this Ian. I've taken particular note of your comment re my 'Do Not Disturb' piece....Also pleased you found the Ring Ouzel.
ReplyDeleteRegards....Pete.
Hello Pete,
ReplyDeleteThe clucking and chattering of the birds alone is very calming and relaxing. Beautiful shots of the birds, bad shots of the people. These are definitely Germans. If there's a no entry sign here, that's exactly where people go. Not a nice thing.
Greetings, Frank
Frank, your comment which starts 'These are definitely Germans....' is a winner though very bold, even if we have no proof of your claim....Brilliant!
ReplyDeleteRegards....Pete.
Luckily, we will soon see beautiful birds again in Finland. Winter has returned here. Snow on the ground and 6 degrees below zero.
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing, snow and 6 degrees below zero in Finland Sami.
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend....Pete.