A couple of hours after lunch proved all I could manage today, so apologies for the brevity and lack of pictures. Remember to “click the pics” for close-up views and/or click the “Crosspost” button to share a picture to Facebook and Twitter.
A single Wheatear gave me the run around for almost an hour before he took the bait to become number eight ringed in March. And there are birders yet to connect with a Wheatear this year!
Lots of adult males will already be on territory up in the hills, their migration taking them directly there rather than lingering along the coast, so I wasn’t surprised when this latest one was another second year male. It was of standard proportions with a wing length of 95mm and a weight of 25gms. The bigger, brighter and heavier “northern” Northern Wheatears are yet to pass through, normally arriving here in mid-April on their way to Iceland and beyond.
Northern Wheatear
Northern Wheatear
The usual route took me from Lane Ends to Piling Water, Worm Pool, Fluke Hall and then back the same way. Lots of Meadow Pipits around again, mostly in one quite large grounded flock of 140+ birds taking flight occasionally and once again, heading east along the sea wall. Whether these were birds from the mass migration of recent days or this morning’s grounded arrivals it was hard to tell.
There was a Merlin on a fence post directly behind the sea wall and even though I tried to sneak up for a better look, it was rapidly gone as soon as my head poked above the embankment. Two Ravens were making mischief in the back fields again, or at least the crows thought they were as they dive bombed and harassed the Ravens into flying somewhere quieter. The Carrion Crows usually have it their own way along here.
Carrion Crow
On the wildfowler’s pools I found 1 Green Sandpiper, 2 Little Egret, 4 Teal and 15+ Redshank. At Fluke Hall a Kestrel, a Chiffchaff and a single Linnet, the latter worthy of special mention so scarce are they at the moment.
Linnet
800 Pink-footed Geese still on the marsh and back at Lane Ends, a male Sparrowhawk, 2 Chiffchaff and 2 Little Grebe.
Maybe I’ll get a half day or more in tomorrow. If so read the news here first with Another Bird Blog.
Linking today to Stewart's World Bird Wednesday.
Linking today to Stewart's World Bird Wednesday.
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17 comments:
You may not have sighted or photographed a lot of birds - but the ones you did get are beautiful. I especially like the Linnet standing on the rock with the yellow lichen.
I love to go to bird banding events. It's such a thrill to hold a tiny bird and then let it go. The wheatear is so pretty.
All are wonderful ~ favorite is the single bird on the fence (crow) something about the barbed wire color behind the crow ~ great combination ~ xoxo
artmusedog and carol
More of your excellent bird photos.
Phil, I can just picture the Wheatear giving you a hard time. beautiful birds and wonderful photos. Have a great week and happy birding!
You have a lot of patience Phil waiting to ring birds! The Linnet is a pretty little bird.
Love the rusty colors of the Linnet. I so admire what you do with birds/birding.
Reading this really emphasizes the simple fact that what is common in one part of the world would be a true rarity in another. Maybe we can trade a Blue Jay and a Northern Cardinal for a Wheatear and a Meadow Pipit for a day or two!
Bonita captura del Pardillo comun.Un abrazo
Carrion Crows look like brawlers! I know it's a bit of work, but it also sounds like a lot of fun and study all at once.
Interesting post, great reading. Beautiful photos!
HI Phil Love the Linnet and Wheatear shots especially
Excellent shots! The linnet is very pretty.
I really love the Linnet. Such an underrated bird.
Beautiful shots, Phil! I especially like the crow!
Sweet little linnet...haven't heard of this bird...all wonderful and I remain in happy awe at the sheer numbers you see.
A couple hours birding far exceeds the joy of actual work.
You made efficient use of the time you spent! The photographs are all splendid and each bird has his own special appeal.
Let me know when you learn the secret to sneaking up on a Merlin!
I have been doing a lot of birding lately so apologies for not commenting more often!
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