Wednesday 12 January 2022

Brent continue pattern of increasing numbers on the neap tides

Light SW to west wind, sunny.

Middleton Nature Reserve 
Janet took this shot of two of the juvenile mute displaying, presumably (hopefully) they were just practicing.
Two of last year's cygnets, practicing displaying.
The adult mute are starting to display, so it is that time of year.

Gadwall numbers up to 41 including 2 on the main pond
Tufted Duck 4 male
Wigeon 2
Little grebe on "no swimming" pond

South shore
Wigeon c150
Rock Pipit 3 (Red Nab, Lighthouse and waterfall)
The lighthouse bird was the ringed male
Shag at least 1 probably 2 juvenile - watch the gull bottom centre at the start of this clip, it has a Whitebait, which is typical of the fish size caught here at the waterfall. A Shag makes a guest appearance towards the end of the clip, and shows just how slight they are.

North shore
Pale-bellied Brent 44 including the two Canadian ringed red/blue ringed birds plus the white ringed bird for which we still have no history.
There are 43 on this shot of the Brent just below the
Sandylands Promenade near Whinnysty Lane

The white ringed bird of unknown origin 
(The scheme has been notified, but history still awaited)
Interestingly, Tim and Jill had course to walk along the promenade twice after dark this evening. At 17:20 they could hear the Brent in the “fishtail” of the climbing wall groyne. They were gone when they returned at 17.50
This is interesting for two reasons (MD)
1. It confirms that the Brent are continuing to feed after twilight.
2. It suggests there is something in the "fishtail" worth waiting till dark for. I'm only aware of some saltmarsh grass there. I'll have to have a look.

From the skear:
Eider c60
Great Crested grebe 3
Shag 1 fishing
The waders were mainly just Oystercatcher again today, with just a handful of Knot, Redshank, Turnstone and Curlew 
These two Bar-Tailed Godwit were on the shoreline between the skear and the green marker post. The trouble with low winter sun, is that you have to be on the right side of it to see clearly. I wasn't here!