Monday 25 December 2006

25th Shags slowly disappearing

Heysham Obs
15 Shag in the SW corner of the harbour. 5 Kittiwake on the pipe or harbour edge in same area.

Ad & 1st W Med Gulls along the north wall near the sandplant entrance

Nothing of interest on the outfalls

Local area
Skerton Weir
Whilst passing, noticed a lot of gulls, so checked. Lucky to connect with a juv Iceland Gull which unfortunately flew off (or circled off) high to the north-west after 30 minutes when the gulls were spooked. This site is probably best watched from by the John of Gaunt rowing club but be careful not to 'bottom out' at the (unsigned) entrance SD480631 if taking vehicle down and just watch for scallies if you are on your own with expensive gear. A very high turn-over of gulls, so suggest it could be a productive spot during especially lowish river levels. Also Kingfisher & Little Grebe

Slyne to Bare footpath
Waxwing on guelder rose at SD462653 - seen 1115hrs and 1520hrs (& not as far as I know looked for in between times so probably there all the time)

Wyndammere
Whilst checking the wildfowl, noticed a sizeable Chaffinch flock under beech mast with at least 10 Brambling therein. Along the road on the west side. Also 2 Raven, c12 Wigeon and c8 Tufted Duck

Melling
Four Whooper Swans, presumably the 'resident Lune valley flock' visible from the layby at the high point of the road c300m south of Melling garage on A683. Look west/down.

Pine Lake
Big Z other than 9 x Goosander.....but there are so many duck and it is only a matter of time before the next 'goodie'. One of the three locations in this area I would check at least once a day if I could - soon to be reduced to two when Lancaster Tip closes

Claughton
Adult Med Gull around the farm at the south end of Claughton just north of the Brookhouse road junction. Dangerous place to park - best to walk back from Claughton. This bird has been seen in surrounding fields as far away as Caton and Farleton