The run of sunny mornings at the moment is just great for making hay by going out birding often.
On my way through Pilling this morning I stopped to watch a Barn Owl ghosting through the mist and to take a picture of the sunrise. A Quail was calling somewhere in the distance, but no chance of seeing the small and elusive creature, a bird which is more easily heard than seen. The song which is heard mainly at dawn and dusk, is unmistakable and is said to most easily remembered by the phrase "wet my lips". Click on the xeno-canto button to hear the dawn chorus.
Pilling Sunrise
At Conder Green I was in time to see the local Barn Owl scattering a number of hirundines as it headed for its daytime roost and out of sight. The owl was unlikely to emerge again as the early vehicles and people were beginning to appear, so I settled in to look about the pool and creek.
A good count of Swifts and hirundines hawking the early batch of insects – 40 Swift, 15 Swallow, 6 Sand Martin and 15 House Martin. Others – 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Sedge Warbler, 3 Pied Wagtail, 4 Linnet, 8 Goldfinch, 7 Greenfinch.
Good numbers of Redshank today with 75+, my how their numbers vary according to overnight arrivals and departures. 60+ Lapwing, 8 Common Sandpipers today plus an about-time Green Sandpiper and a very vocal Little Ringed Plover.
Common Sandpiper
Common Sandpiper
Little Ringed Plover
The Oystercatchers have split the young now, one chick with the male, the other with the female, a strategy employed to maximise the number of chicks making it to flying stage.
Oystercatcher
Oystercatcher chick
Wigeon increased today to 7 individuals, only 4 Tufted Duck but the addition of a distant juvenile Goosander. Other tufties seem to have moved on the more regularly frequented Glasson Basin where I later counted 8 Tufted Duck and 12 Coot.
Goosander
I found a Grey Heron hiding away in the usual quiet spot at Glasson – out of sight out of mind and where it can hunt the shallows without fear of being disturbed.
Grey Heron
More later from Another Bird Blog. Log in soon and in the meantime remember to click my pics.
This post is linking to Camera Critters and Anni's Blog.
This post is linking to Camera Critters and Anni's Blog.
Wow, gorgeous sunrise! Great collection of birds , Phil! I am envious of your barn owl sightings! My favorites this post are the cute plover and the adorable oystercatcher chick! Wonderful photos!
ReplyDeleteHi Phil Great collection of birds this morning. Lovely to see the young Oystercatcher. Margaret
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos, wonderful work.
ReplyDeleteEstupendas capturas Phil.Un abrazo
ReplyDeleteThe last time I herd quail was in Northumbria more than a few years ago! Nice to hear it again.
ReplyDeleteStewart M - Melbourne
Another wonderful collection of feathered friends. Love the sunrise, too. The oystercatcher chick was a real treat. Happy Critter Day.
ReplyDeleteWonderful birds and a very beautiful sunrise. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteMore of the same is good for me:) Because with repetition comes the recognition of the bird....so I'm appreciative of that....plus I like how you put in the xeno canto calls.....wonderful collection of bird again. Thank you.
ReplyDeletesweet bunch of shorebirds! the common sandpiper is very clean and pretty with his white belly.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, interesting collection of birds! Adore the oystercatcher chick - fluffy version of the adult! I have never seen one before!
ReplyDeleteA great series of photographs!
ReplyDelete...that ringed plover is sweet!!!!
ReplyDeleteand the sunrise...breathtaking.
Nice assortment of birds, Phil, and I enjoyed the sound of the quail at dawn.
ReplyDeletethe early bird catches the worm ... you catch the birds with your early morning rises Phil; always lovely to see the bird bounty you offer in your blog posts. I also enjoyed hearing the audio too
ReplyDelete