The run of early morning starts dictated a lie in on Friday. That’s not to say there isn’t birding to do, just that it started later to take in the 1115 tide at Knott End. So there isn’t a great deal of news in today’s post but there are at last on Another Bird Blog, pictures of the shy Golden Plover.
By late July there should be signs of returning waders and terns using the beach for feeding and resting, and although there weren’t huge numbers today, the variety is improving.
The tide brought in end of summer terns, 20 Sandwich Terns to be exact, the terns all settling on the beach after a couple of noisy fly-arounds.
Sandwich Terns
After a good number flew up river or towards Pilling it still left 160 Oystercatchers on the beach as the 8.4 metre tide failed to cover the flat sands. I added 3 Redshank, 2 Dunlin, 1 Ringed Plover and 1 Whimbrel to the list although I could hear both Ringed Plovers and Dunlin in flight somewhere.
I turned my attention to a juvenile Golden Plover which called as it flew onto the beach from the west. I’ve always found our UK Golden Plovers extremely difficult to approach, partly due to the species innate wariness of man. Amazingly, and to our shame as a civilised nation the very fine-looking Golden Plover is a “quarry” species, i.e. it can be legally shot.
It really is time that conservation organisations campaigned to have the Golden Plover removed from the list of quarry species when it continues to decline as a breeding species. And whilst they are thinking about the Golden Plover it would be useful to consider other declining species like Snipe and Woodcock.
I kept still and quiet, clicking away and holding my breath as the plover relaxed and fed before the incoming tide sent it flying off west. I asked myself what justification there could be for shooting such a beautiful bird? I have a good idea what Knott End Annie would have thought about it.
Golden Plover
Golden Plover
Golden Plover
Annie's Log - Knott End
The River Wyre at Knott End
Up river I found a single Eider, a Grey Heron, a Pied Wagtail and several Linnets and Goldfinches.
There will be more news and pictures from Another Bird Blog soon but no guarantee of photos of Golden Plover.
Linking today to Eileen's Saturday Blog and Anni's Blog.
Linking today to Eileen's Saturday Blog and Anni's Blog.
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24 comments:
Recomiendo en Fauna Compacta, "Another Big Blog", un placer, amigo. Un saludo desde España.
The Golden Plover is gorgeous- what a great set of images!
I'm not sure why I can't keep up with blogging lately but I'm sure there must be a good excuse....errr....reason somewhere.
In the meantime, please accept my apologies for such laziness.
Well, the Golden Plover is indeed a thing of beauty. I grew up in an age where hunting was a way of life, but I simply cannot fathom why we need to continue a "sport" which serves to decimate wild creatures such as this bird who already faces survival challenges.
Good to see your Terns showing up according to schedule. In reviewing your past week of posts, I have come to the conclusion the United Kingdom sends its weather forecasters to the same inadequate school as those in North America.
We are on the road tomorrow in search of pre-migratory Swallow-tailed Kites. Found a group of 30 last week and hope to find 100+.
Have a wonderful weekend, Phil, weather notwithstanding!
Phil, I love your Tern flight shot! And the Golden Plover is beautiful, awesome shots.. Great post, happy birding!
The Golden Plover is my favourite, you shot it excellently.
Phil, stopping back to say thanks for sharing your pretty birds with my critter party..Enjoy your weekend!
Hi Phil The Golden Plover is such a lovely bird and these shots are superb. I have seen them in Iceland in their breeding plumage which was wonderful. Love the flight of Terns. I have some on my post today also. Have a wonderful weekend.
You are are seeing many more returning birds than we just north of Toronto have so far. They are coming soon, though. Wonderful photo of the golden plover! WOW!
the terns in flight look like one of those metal art wall-hangings. so pretty!
Lucky you....I've never seen and probably never will see an Eider. But I can dream. Love the Annie's Log...hmmmm. Maybe I should have Bud build me one like it.
Love the plovers and that image of the terns in flight is awesome
Very nice BIF flock pic Phil...........
Beautiful images, pretty setting too :)
The plover is gorgeous! The only shooting I'm in favour of is that with a camera.
Beautiful golden plover! I wish he wasn't on the game bird list. I wonder about the name on the log...did you post about this before?
Great action shot and love the plover and shore line ~ great shots for CC ~ thanks,
artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
Oh the Golden Plover is so pretty! Who is Annie?
Great shot of the Sandwich Terns in flight Phil. The Golden plover is one of my favourite waders, so nice to see your pictures here.
thanks for your knowledge re the Golden Plover decline; you have shared lovely photos again Phil
Sorry...I was just wondering what Annie's Log is for. Is it someone who died, or gave money for conservation? A favorite place of someone named Annie?
Wonderful shots of Golden Plover.
As always, a pleasure Phil.
Thanks for linking up this weekend at the Bird D'Pot!
Beautiful bird-photos!
My post at:
http://hanshb.wordpress.com/
There is no justification for shooting the plover or any other bird. But unfortunately, this is how things are in the world. Good set of images this time as well, Phil.
There is no justification for shooting the plover or any other bird. But unfortunately, this is how things are in the world. Good set of images this time as well, Phil.
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