Monday, August 16, 2021

Win-Win

I don’t normally have a leisurely breakfast, more a “grab it and go”. At 0630 on Sunday a steady drizzle rattled on the conservatory roof. It was rain enough to bang another piece of bread in the toaster, make a second cup of tea and wait for the skies to brighten. An hour later it was time to hit the road. 

The plan was the usual - a little birding over Cockerham way and hopefully a spot of ringing. 

I stopped at Gulf Lane where the farmer had promised to cut a swathe through his other seed crop in readiness for the first signs of a decent sized flock of Linnets. Richard had done a gret job with the tractor with a terrific 9ft wide path that skirted the ditch and the bramble patch where many birds frequent during August to May. 

Already birds were in the ride, foraging through the cut crop, along the fence posts or hiding in the hedge - 2 Tree Sparrow, 2 Reed Bunting, 2 Stock Dove and 18 Linnets. 

Tree Sparrow
 
Reed Bunting
 
Linnets
 
Win-Win

A good start to the morning that went slightly downhill as the previously slight breeze picked up enough to signify that ringing was a no-no. Not to worry as the big fields held many birds even if most were a little distant. 

The distance combined with the ebb and flow of birds constantly moving between the field and the marsh beyond made counting almost impossible. My best estimates were 750 Greylag, 200 Lapwing, 175 Carrion Crow, 90 Curlew, 25 Stock Dove and countless gulls, mostly Black-headed. 

Black-headed Gulls

Curlew

Constant activity was enough to draw in raptors in the shape of two Sparrowhawks and a Marsh Harrier. I was be sure of two Sparrowhawks because of their relative sizes, a small, fast moving male and soon after a larger female that circled around in a higher plane as females of the species are inclined to do. 

The Sparrowhawks were quickly followed by a Marsh Harrier, a somewhat nondescript bird of the year, which gave intermittent views as it hunted over and around the ditches, fields and few trees that dot the area. When Richard arrived on the quad carrying the morning breakfast of cattle nuts I asked “Where were you five minutes ago?” 

Luckily the harrier reappeared again to give us both splendid views until it drifted off south, over the A588 and in the direction of Winmarleigh Moss. Mid-August is a classic time to catch up with Marsh Harriers as they disperse from breeding sites north and east of here. In recent years Marsh Harriers have begun to winter on the Lancashire coast, Leighton Moss and Martin Mere/Southport/Merseyside. 

Marsh Harrier
 
Smaller birds were difficult to find with singles of Reed Warbler, Great-spotted Woodpecker, a handful of Goldfinches and about 20 Linnets max. A single south moving Swallow was the only one noted. It's really autumn now. 

After a dismal start the few hours spent in the Great Outdoors proved to be a winner - again. And who wouldn’t rather be birding?  

Linking this weekend to Eileen's Saturday Blog and Ann in Texas.


15 comments:

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

you had a good day and so many lovely photos

Fun60 said...

Turned out to be a great day. Seeing all those geese must have been a sight.

Photo Cache said...

Great photo haul for the day.

Worth a Thousand Words

NCSue said...

Great series of images here. I don't think we have harriers here.
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2021/08/warm-strawberry-puff.html

Mike Attwood said...

That was a good day Phil. Birds in my part of Sussex have disappeared so I depend on others to know whats going on. At least I have my foxes. Take care.
Mike

Veronica Lee said...

It must have been awesome seeing all those geese.

Great captures for the day, Phil.

Angie said...

Phil - that Reed Bunting has such handsome plumage. And I love that picture of the Linnets on the barbed wire!

Wally Jones said...

Despite the late start and uncooperative breezes, you had a very good day!

The proximity of a marsh to that field certainly sounds like it would be attractive to a large number of birds, which you confirmed.

Once we begin to see Marsh Harriers (Northern Harrier for us), we will know fall migration is officially underway. At the moment, we are beginning to see dribs and drabs of out-of-state birds, who, I suspect, are questioning their decision to get an early start once they encounter our heat and humidity.

Thank you for sharing details of your outing and some wonderful photographs!

Gini and I hope the weekend treats you well.

eileeninmd said...

Hello PHil,
You did good even with the late start. It is awesome the farmer cut the crop in time for the Linnets. I like seeing the Linnets lined up on the wire fence. Great captures of the Curlew and Harrier in flight. The sky looks a little crowded with the Black-headed Gulls. Great collection of photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend!

Shiju Sugunan said...

What a productive day. the photographs are awesome!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I like the Linnets...all in a row! And yes, I would rather be birding but it's too hot here today. Maybe tomorrow....!!! I'm taking the Jeep...wanna go? Be ready!!!

RedPat said...

The number of gulls is amazing! You had a good day after all.

Lowcarb team member said...

Nice to see your photographs.
My favourites are the linnets and the marsh harrier.

All the best Jan

Hootin Anni said...

Love the photo of the Harrier! And the full photo is incredibly incredible!! Great series today Phil.

Stay virus free, be safe birding, and thanks for linking in!
~Anni @ I'd Rather B Birdin'

The Padre said...

Reed Bunting - Way Cool

Cheers

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