Invasion.
There has been an unprecedented invasion of some species into our area in recent days, and if I'm going to keep a website with local birding interests, then this certainly has to be documented on Birds2blog.
.JPG)
Ringed Plover Plover Scar 19 May. Howard Stockdale.
Howard Stockdale must have thought he was hallucinating when he found c.1,200 Ringed Plover on Plover Scar 19 May. I know of no previous records of RP in such number on Plover Scar. The record of 160 Ringed Plover on the River Lune at Glasson, is also unprecedented in my book. Many Thanks to Howard for the record and image.
Sanderling Heysham 23 May. Malcolm Downham.
If I'd have been at Heysham on 23 May, I certainly would have thought I was hallucinating at the sight of at least 500 Sanderling on Heysham skeer. As far as I am concerned, a record of historical proportions. Many Thanks to Malcolm for the record and image.... Heysham Bird Obs
Brilliant find west of Rossall Coastguard Tower, a Curlew Sandpiper advancing into breeding plumage. For permitting the record and image of this stunning bird onto B2B, Many Thanks to Jonathan.... Fylde Bird Club
There has also been a large influx of flycatcher into the area recently, with up to 33 Spotted Flycatcher on the morning of 22 May, and still coming through today FBC WhatsApp....Many Thanks to Paul for the image.
Foulshaw Moss.
In company with Ian Mitchell, we managed a pleasant couple of hours around Foulshaw Moss, with nothing seen to called unexpected, and on a date too early for dragonflies, though one or two damselflies were seen, being Large Red/Blue Tailed/Common Blue Damselfly.
Of course we were able to view the two Osprey nests through the haze, and other birds to note, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, and Reed Warbler, with just one moth seen, a Common Heath. The butterfly had to be the highlight of the visit, with at least 6 Brimstone seen.
Garden Magic.
It was our treat of the year when the Goldfinch family turned up in the garden for lunch yesterday.
Great report, Pete, and exceptional photographs. The first picture is incredible; a perfect example of the effective camouflage of cryptic plumage. It’s good to read a report of large numbers of birds coming in. Too often we read of declines and habitat loss. And goldfinches snacking in the suburbs is good news, too! Best wishes - David
ReplyDeleteYou have read and responded to this publication within 10 minutes of my posting it, and I appreciate this very much. Thank You David.
ReplyDeleteJust to reiterate, both these records are monumental in a local context, in particular the c.1,200 Ringed Plover were recorded at a favourite location of mine.
Regards....Pete.
That’s an awful lot of Ringed Plover on the aptly named Plover Scar.
ReplyDeleteNice header picture and video of the colourful Goldfinches.
Things are looking up now with the warmer weather.
I had a Common Blue Damselfly in my moth trap the other night, unfortunately dead. Don’t know why it ended up in there it is the first one I have had.
Thanks for the round up.
Ian Mitchell
Nice wander round Foulshaw following the aborted trip to Burns Beck after going to the trouble of driving al the way to Killington Lake.
DeleteThanks for your input here again Ian....Pete.
Hallo Pete
ReplyDeleteWat mooi al die verschillende soorten te zien.
Het mooist is voor mij de krombelstrandlopertje tussen de stenen.
Groetjes Tinie
Hello Tinie....Yes, an excellent variety of birds in good numbers, and your favourite, the Curlew Sandpiper, is a beauty.
DeleteMany thanks for your visit Tinie....Pete.
Wow!!! That must be an invasion of these plovers. I have never seen so many together!!!! It is a very beautiful sight though :-) I think the photo of that beautiful curlew sandpiper in breeding plumage is really amazing! You also managed to photograph the flycatcher beautifully and sharply. Your last photo with that rural view is phenomenal.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed it again.
Best regards, Helma
Hello Helma....I've never seen so many Ringed Polver or Sanderling in such numbers at these two locations ever before, and I don't think anyone else has either. The photograph of the Spotted Flycatcher is indeed beautiful, sharp, and credited to Paul Ellis.
DeleteThank You for calling in on B2B Helma, I really do appreciated it....Pete.
Hi Pete,
ReplyDelete"Invasion" is the perfect name for this sighting—it's a good thing there are photos to prove it! Would you have believed it otherwise?
Best regards,
Frank
Seeing is believing isn't it.
ReplyDeleteRegards and thanks for looking in again Frank....Pete.
Beautiful photos, Pete. And I love ❤️ the video. I have a male pet zebra finch and he heard this and also enjoyed the video. He chirped and sang in response.
ReplyDeleteI visited your family friendly blog, and thank you for your visit to mine Linda.
DeleteKind Regards to you and to Montreal....Pete.
A real invasion, but it's beautiful to see!
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Slovenia, Andreja!
I visited your blog, original and very interesting. Thank you for this visit to mine Modrina.
ReplyDeleteKind Regards to you and to Slovenia....Pete.
wow, that was an extraordianry number of RP and sanderlings. And both photos are amazing. And you can certainly talk about camouflage in that first photo ! All the best Lasse
ReplyDelete