It was the local Pilling patch again this morning, hoping for migrants ideally, although I’m more than happy to see and watch all species and see what they are up to at this time of year.
You could say the morning started on a high with a Barn Owl sat on a roadside post along Fluke Hall Lane, the only problem being that the approach of a car caused the owl to fly off quickly towards a nearby farm building, and I didn’t see it again.
A walk at Ridge Farm found 8 Lapwing, 4 Oystercatcher, 2 Reed Bunting, 5 Linnet, 4 Skylark, 2 Little Egret and 1 Pied Wagtail, with just a couple of small groups of overflying Meadow Pipits heading east along the sea wall, less than 20 birds in all. Later on at Lane Ends I noted a single overhead Meadow Pipit and despite the rather murky, grey morning I didn’t see any grounded pipits in a three hour walk, so I expect that any heading north found their way inland via the sea wall or managed to cross Morecambe Bay at some point.
Lane Ends to Pilling Water and then back involved approximately 2 hours of leisurely birding: 3 Goldeneye, 2 Little Grebe, 2 Grey Heron, 4 Little Egret, 2 European White-fronted Goose, 30 Pink-footed Goose, 5 Teal, 1 Mistle Thrush, 1 Goldfinch, 1 Greenfinch, 45 Lapwing, 24 Curlew, 25 Oystercatcher, 30 Redshank, 1 Greenshank, 1 Green Sandpiper.
Many species were noted either singing or in display mode, including Skylark, Lapwing, Redshank, Mistle Thrush, Little Grebe, Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Robin, Dunnock and Chaffinch. So although spring is in the air, without a spot of sunshine or a rush of March migration this morning’s birding had a winter sensation to it still.
Follower 300 arrived, hello Tomás. Nice pictures of Stone Curlew.
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7 comments:
Oh, Phil. I love the lapwing. I want one. Do you suppose they like Golden Retrievers?
Sigh.
Seriously, you're getting farther into spring than we are here. We've had some nice warm weather but the wind storm that hit British Columbia recently seems to be moving over this way. Not much fun to be out in the wind.
K
Hey Phil...there you go again rushing the season away...things will happen in due time ; }
I love those Barn Owls...how come I never see them, or any Owls in daylight?? Then of course I can't see them in the dark either..haha!
I like the photo of the bird on the fence post ..I think it was the Redshank ..total out of place looking ..did you put him there and tell him to stay..; }
I still feel miserable!!!!!!
Grace
Lapwings that you share, always make me smile and then of course the Barn Owl...you are so fortunate to get to view Owls in the morning light and always get the best captures. I am jealous, sorry, but it is the truth. Even if an auto came along and spoiled the photo shoot, you sure got one great capture there~
Es una maravilla poder ver toda esas aves, algunas de ellas desconocidas para mi, otras entrañables y cercanas. Me encanta la foto del avefría, es un animal precioso.. Felicidades y gracias por enseñarme tanta belleza... Un abrazo y saludos desde Madrid
Wow, these are all gorgeous birds. I love the Barn owl and the cool looking Lapwing! Spring is slowing arriving here, although we are having warmer temps lately.
Great photos Phil! The Barn Owl is so fascinating; I hope to see one someday!
Hi Phil: It appears that the early spring weather has missed this north west corner All the best JWB.
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