Rock Pipits continue to confound

Once again the day started with a light south breeze, which freshened slightly as it moved to the west by the afternoon. Sunny periods with some light showers.

Sea report from Pete:

Not a lot today just 13 sandwich tern out and two blogging with four swallow in early stages only of incoming tide

(There were birds of interest in the bay early on though - Pomarine Skua - a flock of seven were seen flying in to the bay past Walney pier at 06:40)

South shore

Wheatear 3

Rock pipits at least 5. One on the south wall/Red Nab.

These two, near the lighthouse, neither of which are ringed.

There were two more near the waterfall, this is the male patrolling his patch of harbour wall.

Presumably where he stops is the end of the defended territory, he then flies back to the upstand near the waterfall and repeats the performance.

So, four Rock Pipits seen along the wall, but no sign of the ringed male, there appears to be more going on here than just two adjacent territories.

It was a noisy area this morning, as well as the displaying Rock Pipits there were also 5 noisy Linnet.

Willow Warbler 1

Pink-Footed goose 80 

The structure is the end of No.2 outflow. The Pinkfoot flew in and were heading towards 
Middleton, but they turned round flew past Potts corner and followed the estuary as far
as Cockerham marshes where they appeared to land

This excellent picture of a Siver Y from Kevin

The first migratory insect of the year on the South wall.

Middleton Nature Reserve - mid afternoon 

Mute swan 6 on the main pond

This is the immature bird, right, it seems to have adopted these two adult.

The "no swimming" pond pair's chicks have hatched - at least 5
There is at least one other pair breeding

Male Gadwall moving to eclipse 

Little grebe 1 on main pond, the Tim Butler birds not seen.

Warblers:

Cetti's warbler 2 - the Fence pond male was quite vocal plus a couple of bursts of song from the "no swimming" pond.

All the regular species heard and seen. No Grasshopper or Garden warblers heard.

The underwing of this female Orange Tip demonstrates 
how effective it is as camouflage, when the butterfly is at rest.

There have been a few unidentified Damselflies seen in the last week. They are difficult to see when they settle in the undergrowth. I managed to identify one, at least, today.

Immature male Common Blue Damselfly

I think this is a Large Red Damselfly - I'll amend if advised otherwise (MD)

This Shelduck landed on the main pond and it was immediately joined by a Lesser Black-Backed gull. The Shelduck was obviously thirsty, and the LBB joined in - as ever with gulls, they just don't seem to know when to stop! I don't think the Shelduck was impressed (MD).