Challenging Mallard

Heysham Obs
Mallard muscled their way on to the BTO Business challenge list in a pincer movement with two on the Obs Tower pond and an amazing FOUR at Red Nab

The only other interest so far today was the reappearance of the Icelandic-ringed Black-tailed Godwit (after a trip to Cockersands) as part of a small increase at Red Nab to 31 birds.  This species was virtually "unheard of" in the Heysham area just five years ago with one record/year if you were lucky.

Ad Med Gull on Red Nab (none seen north wall over the low tide)
TWO Purple Sandpiper again on the skeer below the red lighthouse at the south harbour mouth at low tide 

Ringing by the office was rapidly curtailed by an increasing wind and comprised an unringed Great Tit!

Middleton IE
Pochard - 4 males & one female model boat pond
Goldeneye - Male and female model boat pond
Tufted Duck - 7 (5 males) fence pond
Coot - 9 throughout

Elsewhere
Redhead Smew still freeman's Pool and two Crossbill Knots Wood (no general access here)