With a touch of a gammy toe today was gentle birding only, with no slogging along the sea wall at Pilling or tramping endlessly around the net rides at Rawcliffe.
But it was Niger filling time on the Moss where I disturbed 40 or more Goldfinch hanging around the feeders along with the usual assortment of Chaffinch and Blue, Great and Coal Tits. As I left the plantation I just caught sight of a Marsh Harrier heading off south and towards the river; perhaps it didn’t go too far and it could be the same gold top which has been around here for some weeks, but by October harriers should be contemplating migration.
Marsh Harrier
Chaffinch
Also about the woodland, 12 Blackbird, 2 Jay, 4 Siskin flying over, 14 Chaffinch, 2 Great-spotted Woodpecker, 2 Reed Bunting, 15 Tree Sparrow, 1 Kestrel and 2 Buzzard.
Buzzard
After more downpours yesterday the farm is still very flooded as shown by a count of 400+ Black-headed Gull, with around the edges of various floods, at least 15 Pied/White Wagtails. These wagtails are a problem to identify in the autumn, more especially now we are told that a large proportion of the supposed two species Motacilla alba and Motacilla yarelli are found together in the breeding season. Perhaps it’s time to lump alba and yarelli together?
I took this photograph today and reckon it is a White Wagtail but stand to be corrected.
White Wagtail
Looks like feet up and a few painkillers tonight, then hopefully I’ll be fit for more birding tomorrow. If so read about it on Another Bird Blog soon.
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8 comments:
Gammy toe? Not the dreaded 'G' word I hope (I get it sometimes).
Marsh Harriers are a great bird to regularly see in the NW these days.
That white wagtail is so interesting! I always come here and find birds that I'd never heard of before.
Not bad for a gentle day. And I'd go for White Wagtail as well.
Yeah, I agree it's a wagtail, Phil. Some nice raptor encouneters with the rest. I'm still having a slow time getting into the Autumn bird season here. Let's hope for a fine Sunday. Would be happy with a portion of your quota.
:) I don't think I've heard that before....hope you're up for a stronger walk tomorrow. I had a similiar issue this past summer and it drove me crazy....so stay off of it:) More great bird shots today.
Bonitas capturas.Saludos
I like you photos again Phil....I've not seen the last one --- the wagtail. Neither in books OR in real time. I must do some googling now to see if they're here. I doubt it.
The White Wagtail is a very cool looking bird Phil...what a gloriours capture. Always love your Buzzards and Harrier images in flight...nice!
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