Saturday 19 March 2022

More about what's gone than what's arrived.

SE fresh breeze. Sunshine all day again.

Heysham Nature Reserve 
Just a quick check of the higher ground on the western side located:
Chiffchaff 5 singing males. This clip is looking into the light so poor visually. Catches the song nicely though.

Red Nab
Pale-bellied Brent goose - just a single bird today
Shelduck 19
Wigeon 20
Dunlin 37
Rock Pipit 2
This clip shows the Dunlin, just before they moved on, but it also contains, Wigeon, the solitary Brent, Oystercatcher, Curlew, Knot (just 1) and Lesser Black-Backed gull. In the background you can hear Rock Pipits.

Shag 1 juvenile roosting on the wooden jetty - ref Pete

Saltmarsh 
Common Snipe 17
Jack Snipe 1 - this is the "best" shot I've managed of a Jack Snipe this year. Unfortunately none of the key characteristics are visible on this shot, but clearly seen as it took off.
Jack Snipe (MD)


Butterflies:
Small Tortoiseshell 2 - one at Red Nab and one on saltmarsh 
Small Tortoiseshell sunning itself on saltmarsh stones

Comma 2 along Dog Walk track - ref Janet
Comma - its proboscis is extended so presumably finding
nectar in these emerging catkins