Saturday, May 25, 2013

That’s Better

A fine, dry morning at last, and even the wind had dropped. Springtime here seems to have passed me by due to a combination of poor April weather, going on holiday, and then even more rubbish weather just when we needed it least. Now we are almost in June when migration ends and resident birds fall more silent. 

I set off from Lane Ends, packing a few rings into my bag - A size in case of late Wheatears, B for Skylark nests and D2 for any Lapwing chicks left after the crow assault and Hi-Fly’s farming activities. Lane Ends had singing Reed Warbler and Sedge Warbler, and on the way to Pilling Water, the male Corn Bunting again, singing from a gate post. Out on the marsh were 3 Whimbrel, with a scan across revealing still 30+ Shelduck and 10+ Redshank in calling pairs. 

Corn Bunting

It was beyond Pilling Water where I found the Lapwing chicks, three of similar size but from separate broods. The grass up there is pretty long to find whole broods unless there is a “finder” and a “guide”, the latter to watch through binoculars and direct the finder to a spot where the Lapwing chick crouched to the ground. If only it was always that easy. 

Lapwing chick

The adults stay close, protesting loudly and keeping one eye on the intruder.

Lapwing

Lapwing

 Excitement over I walked towards Fluke Hall where I found more adult Lapwings but no observable chicks. In the area of Worm Pool I saw a couple of Redshank, 8 Oystercatcher, a Black-tailed Godwit, and perched up on the poolside vegetation a fine, male Whinchat. 

Whinchat

From the stile I counted a dozen or so Swallows and several Swifts hawking insects, my eyes diverted by a Buzzard leaving the trees of Fluke Hall, the raptor followed mercilessly by the obligatory crows. The crow shook them off just before it reached Pilling Water plantation. 

Buzzard and Carrion Crow

Small numbers of Goldfinch and Linnet flew over, with a single Pied Wagtail and several Skylark about. The Skylark weren’t for giving much away apart from singing and I think a few nests may have been lost after Hi-Fly’s recent bout of rolling and tidying. 

I headed back, a good morning’s work and a wonderful walk in the sun.

Stay tuned for more walks in the summer sun with Another Bird Blog with this post linking to Anni who would also rather be birding and Stewart in Australia where you can see a whole gallery of birds.

20 comments:

HansHB said...

A great serie of photos, very good photowork!

Isidro Ortiz said...

Buenas capturas Phil,las capturas de la Avefria en vuelo me gustan mucho.Un abrazo

Unknown said...

Another great series!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

grammie g said...

Hey Phil....Not great birding here since it has been pouring down buckets (of rain that is)for the last 4 days, and our temp's have gone down 20 degrees from yesterday!!
I just knew we would get payed back for those 4 dry sunny weeks we had!! So ya most birds have hunkered down if they don't own and umbrella!
That is a darn cute little duckling you was holding there, what a super time of year!!
Well you just enjoy your sunny days because the way everybody is talking there is crazy weather out there, and you town might be
next!! ; }
Grace

Carole M. said...

enjoy the sunshine and well done on your ringing projects. It surprises me that you can go near the lapwing chicks like you did .. and even have time to take shots of the parent bird too; well done Phil

Anni said...

Wow....to be able to get so close and work with chicks...that is awesome. What a dream of mine. [I've been going to one particular area in the city that always has a lot of American Coots in hopes of seeing some babies, so far, they're not hatched ---or well hidden in the reed].

Your work is always astounding me. And the walk of the day, with good weather for a change, is always good to go birdin'!!!

EG CameraGirl said...

You had a successful day out! Let's hope the days stay dry with little wind for a while.

eileeninmd said...

Hi Phil, glad you had a great day. The sunshine is a plus. I loved the lapwing and the cute chick. They are adorable. Great sightings. Happy birding and have a wonderful day!

Kenneth Cole Schneider said...

You got some nice photos in addition to your ringing work. Those lapwing chicks must be nearly invisible. When I approach one of our Killdeer or nighthawk nests I have to measure each step as they blend so well with the gravel and grass.

Unknown said...

Nice series. The chick is so cute.

Shey said...

Wow! I haven't seen a lapwing yet and hoping in the future, I will. They look amazing.

Mary Howell Cromer said...

The Whinchat image is wonderful and the Lapwing chick, adorable. I love when you share the Lapwings, such great looking birds. I am glad that your weather is finally calming. We had areas in US this week with snow...poor baby birds and butterflies and odes and such...Have a great week Phil~

Wally Jones said...

What??!! Sunshine! No wind!

Glad the weather cooperated a bit, even if for a little while.
Sounds as if you had a good day.
Now I know what I need to locate my Stilt nests, a "guide" and a "finder"! I am apparently inadequate at both pursuits!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Glad for your good weather; I'd be happy to see (and identify) that many birds in a year, I swear! I always read your "lists" two or three times..they just seem incredible.

Love the lapwings, they're a very exotic looking bird (to me).

Thanks as always for sharing the results of your good work.

sunshine said...

Great photos it looks like an interesting place for birding.

mick said...

Another very interesting series and the Lapwing chick is so cute. I do with the weather were more cooperative for birders - especially during migration times when there is only a short period to observe the birds!

Karen said...

Beautiful in-flight captures!

Jenn Jilks said...

You have such adventures!!!!!

Martha said...

Great shots! I always feel lucky when I get good shots of birds in flight!

My WBW

Dave said...

Love the mobbing action, one of the UKs great wildlife sights.

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