Swift (sp). Seen by John Gregory it had been over the horse paddocks at Knowlys Rd at lunchtime, last seen heading east. Some good views suggested a Pallid Swift, but no pictures so, unfortunately, it has to remain just a probable.
South shore (MD)
I checked from saltmarsh to Red Nab mid morning, it felt like visiting the Mary Celeste! Only the Shelduck (100+) were around. There were no passerines of any description, don't know if the cold wind or a raptor had purged them.
Red Nab was deserted except for a single Little Egret.
Three Common Snipe baulked the trend flying onto the saltmarsh.
Fortunately a couple of Grey Wagtails were a nice diversion.
Feeding below the small anemometer in the Nature Park. One was part of the Observatory colour ringing scheme (see side bar for scheme details). Ringed 6/09/21 at Middleton Nature Reserve.
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| Colour ringed Grey Wagtail |
It looks like a male. This clip shows it catching a rat-tailed maggot. You can actually see what's going on better, if you watch the reflection.
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| This is his travelling companion |
Middleton Nature Reserve (MD)
Just a quick check to see how the Mute were faring. They were fine, but the cygnets were spilt into two groups 4 with the 2 adult on the "no swimming" pond, 2 hanging around the feeding station on the main pond.
No Mallard seen
Gadwall 18 on "no swimming" pond
Shoveler 2 on "no swimming" pond
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| Male Shoveler now out of eclipse |
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| Female Shoveler |
He didn't seem overly keen on company and legged it when she got "too" close.
Little Grebe - just 1 seen
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