Monday, August 20, 2012

For The Record

After yesterday’s exertion of a ringing session out on the moss today’s stroll and undemanding birding along the sea wall at Pilling proved something of a doddle, the biggest challenge being the search for new photographs to keep blog readers satisfied. After a couple of hours I’d seen a handy selection of species and even managed a couple of pictures. 

The last week has seen a tremendous push south of Willow Warblers, both big arrivals, lesser parties and ones and twos dotted all along the Lancashire and Cheshire coastline, so as I set off walking from Lane Ends I wasn’t surprised to add to the tally with 2 in the immediate trees. There was then nothing to see until Pilling Water where a female Sparrowhawk circled briefly over the wildfowler’s pools before heading off in the direction of Lane Ends. I noted a single Wheatear atop a direction sign and then a couple of Linnets along the shore. This Wheatear wasn't interested in a free mealworm in exchange for a shiny new ring.

Wheatear

Sat down I watched as the tide rolled in from the west, pushing waders, wildfowl and miscellaneous ahead of it: 440 Curlew, 1 Whimbrel, 1 Greenshank, 60 Lapwing, 1 Golden Plover, 2 Snipe, 8 Dunlin, 4 Redshank, 1 Common Sandpiper, 8 Wigeon, 190 Teal, 44 Shelduck, 3 Red-breasted Merganser, 4 Great Crested Grebe, 9 Cormorant, 3 Little Egret and 3 Grey Heron. One of the herons obliged with a fly past just within camera range but in the main everything keeps a safe distance from any pedestrians on the wall, most of all the resident Peregrine which stays near the incoming tide where opportunities for lunch constantly arise. 

 Grey Heron

As the tide turned I heard a croaking but distant Raven and turned to see not one, but two of them heading over and west towards Fluke Hall, dwarfing the Carrion Crows as they went. There’d been a number of Swallows hawking over the tide, some moving west, others seemingly still locals, and I jotted 30+ in my notebook, plus a Kestrel now hovering over the full-in tide. 

The tide had pushed hundreds of gulls onto the fields of Backsands Lane and Damside so I promised myself a quick look on the way back through the village. The count was 400 Black-headed Gull, 20+ Common Gull and a single Mediterranean Gull, the birds constantly moving as cyclists and vehicles passed slowly by. The distant Med needed a heavy crop and as they say, it’s “a record shot”.

 Mediterranean Gull

Tune in soon for more news from Another Bird Blog. This week I’m linking with Stewart's World Bird Wednesday http://paying-ready-attention-gallery.blogspot.co.uk - take a look. Stewart is a fellow bird ringer but lives a few miles away in Australia.

14 comments:

Gary Jones said...

I see lots of Wheatears on the fells while out walking, just cant near enough to them to get a decent shot!! great post Phil

eileeninmd said...

Hello, Phil. I am always checking out your numbers and the birds. On your list, I would really like to see the Lapwings and your cute Wheatear. Amazing number of gulls but I guess that is normal. Your Mediterranean Gull is pretty. I guess it would not be possible for you to send a few Lapwings across the big pond? Great post and photos.

Rohrerbot said...

That has to be a lot of fun with some of the best scenery. Look forward to your link up with your blogger friend. Regards. Chris

Isidro Ortiz said...

Bonitas fotos Phil.Saludos

Anni said...

It's like I was there right with you, viewing the birds this week....your commentary is perfect. As are your bird photos.

Thanks for linking up at the Bird D'Pot this week.

TexWisGirl said...

love the soft colors of that wheatear!

Modesto Viegas said...

Very good post!
Great photo of the Heron!

Mary Howell Cromer said...

Hi Phil!
I guess that I did not realize that Stewart was a fellow ringer, very cool then, yes, and just a few short miles away.
It is so enjoyable to be able to sit here and take in all of the places that you write about, so appealing and that you do get to view such wonderful assortment of birds.
The Heron in flight is so wonderful and I also really enjoyed the Wheatear on the directions sign, they are such beauties.
I hope you enjoy the remainder of your day~

DeniseinVA said...

Wonderful sightings and I always love your bird photos Phil.

mick said...

Great photos - especially the Heron and very impressive totals of shorebirds. Nice to know that full migration is happening.

FjÀllripan said...

Such a great birdingday! Great photos.

Unknown said...

All beautiful captures!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

Deb said...

those are great bird shots...

missmeggy said...

love the pictures especially the second one! :)

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