Wednesday 17 March 2021

Mergansers displaying - unfortunately to wrong species

Light NW wind, hazy early on then becoming bright and warm in the sunshine.

North shore low water channels
Eider 210
Great Crested grebe 11
Red-breasted Merganser 16
This group of 8 merganser were quite agitated and the arrival of a male Eider prompted at least two of the males to display towards it.
It's a dicey place for a good looking Eider
Presumably seen as a threat more than a suitor (MD)

Heysham Nature Reserve 
Goldcrest at least 2

South shore
Wigeon c100
Rock Pipits 3 (1 saltmarsh, 1 foreshore and 1 Red Nab - lighthouse area not checked)
This is the Red Nab bird

Skylark 3 north
Grey Plover 1 - Kevin mentioned that the bird he saw here earlier in the year appeared to be limping. Today's bird definitely was.
Despite the bad leg, it managed to over winter successfully