I couldn’t get out until lunch time where despite the sunshine, cold and strong north-westerly winds were still doing their best to ruin any birding, so I spent a couple of hours looking in slightly less windy spots.
In singing mode at Fluke Hall were 2 Chiffchaff, 1 Willow Warbler, 1 Blackcap, a couple or more Chaffinches and likewise Goldfinches. Blackcap is always the first of the Sylvias to arrive with Whitethroat due any day, although most Spring migrants appear to be late now. I haven’t seen a Wheatear since 5th April despite being out birding along the coast most days.
It’s difficult to ever get a picture of a Blackcap because they move so fast through the trees and undergrowth, singing as they go; one obliged today.
Blackcap
Still 2 Kestrels here at Fluke as well as another pair in the Damside area. A single House Martin flew over the sea wall seemingly heading into the strong wind and across Morecambe Bay.
On Hi-Fly ploughed fields, several Lapwings, 6+ Skylark and 4 Stock Dove picking through the soil, but presumably no nests after three days of disturbance and ploughing.
The exposed sea wall accentuates any blustery effect but I braved it for a walk to Pilling Water and back with very little to show - 2 Little Egret, 1 Black-tailed Godwit, 45 Redshank, 450 Pink-footed Geese and just 2 Skylarks. Sheltering in the creeks of wildfowlers’ pools - 5 Shoveler, 2 Teal and 4 Shelduck.
Shelduck
At Lane Ends plantation were more sounds and sights of Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Chaffinch and Goldfinch. Little Grebe and Little Egret in the vicinity of the water, and 2 Swallows flying quickly east.
Goldfinch
I’m sure the wind will both drop and change to a lovely warm southerly direction at some time. If so be sure that Another Bird Blog will be there to tell everyone all about it.
Linking today to Stewart's World Bird Wednesday.
Linking today to Stewart's World Bird Wednesday.
Beautiful birds! Love the one in your header photo also.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great photo of the shelduck in flight.
ReplyDeleteWow ~ Such awesome birds and as always great photography ~ Happy Week to you ~ xoxo
ReplyDeleteartmusedog and carol (A CreativeHarbor)
Migration has a way of filling in the gaps sooner or later. Yesterday I was down at Long Point (memories of yesteryear, Phil) and overnight a whole bunch of species had arrived. The trees were full of Brown Creepers, Hermit Thrushes seemed to be everywhere and Pine Warblers flitted high in the treetops - among other things, of course. Today is warm again and the trees are really starting to bud out, so pretty soon it's going to get a whole lot harder to see these tiny birds. And by the way, great picture of the Blackcap.
ReplyDeletedespite not so nice weather you still get out there Phil. Guess the birds have to be around somewhere too. Blackcap is a lovely bird .. That is a fun snapshot of the Shelduck in flight. A ringed Goldfinch, one you did or...? If you hadn't, wouldn't you be keen to know what was on that ring? Many questions....
ReplyDeleteGreat views and photos.
ReplyDeletePhil, I hope the wind has slowed down.. Sometimes the weather just doesn't cooperate with our birding outings.. Beautiful birds and photos. Have a happy week!
ReplyDeleteHI Phil ALL great shots as usual. wind can be a problem as it was when i was on Copleland Island last weekend. It did make the birds hunker down and so there were not as many to ring!
ReplyDeleteHave a great time at the zoo with the grandchildren. We did the same thing with our two youngest grandchildren recently. Great outing.
ReplyDeleteYou tease me so with your photos of the Goldfinch. They're so vibrant and beautiful...I notice this one is tagged?
ReplyDeleteAnd oblige it did!!----that blackcap. A perfect portrait.
The goldfinch is gorgeous. I hope we'll get some warmer and less windy weather during Easter.
ReplyDeleteReally is great to see the Blackcaps again. I saw my first of the year at the weekend.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful birds. At least your winds were not associated with a cyclone. One hit north queensland and then tracked right down the coast as far as Fraser Island. By the time it got here it was only a Low - but even here the winds were VERY strong.
ReplyDeleteLovely post as usual. I'm glad a blackcap posed for you and I love the Shelduck captured in flight.
ReplyDeleteOh My Goodness Phil Slade, that Shelduck image is outstanding. What a sweet image you captured. Glad that the Blackcap was kind for you and allowed a sneak in pic. I have that kind of problem getting the Thrashers and Thrush around here, they are always hiding...silly birds, we are only trying to make them famous for a minute. Have a wonderful evening~
ReplyDeleteA few days back I saw a Goldfinch pic here and was amazed. Today, the Shelduck has done a lot more than that.
ReplyDeleteI had never thought about the effort it must take on your part to photograph the birds. Great job, Phil.