A fresh wind initially SSE but shifting ever westwards after lunch. Persistent and heavy rain (Kevin's weather station shows 26mm of rain today by 20:00)
South shore
I set off in the heavy rain and it never eased (MD). I only had time for one walk today, and had planned to walk down to the lighthouse and await the lunchtime ferry. But the driving rain meant there was no opportunity to browse the shore, Red Nab etc. so I ended up, at the lighthouse 45 minutes before the ferry was due. It was still persisting it down so I decided to leave and headed back. My only sighting was:
Pale-bellied Brent goose 12 flew to Red Nab from the north side 11:25
Fortunately Pete managed to check the ferry in and just managed to scope through the terrible visibility
Little gull 1 x 1st winter
Kittiwake 15 at least
Mediterranean gull 1 (probably, difficult through the gloom)
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| No gull pictures today, but I liked this one of a Kittiwake that I didn't use earlier in the week |
Middleton Nature Reserve
The water level of the "no swimming" pond is now above the south and west banks.
Gadwall 18
Tufted Duck 3 male
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| Tufted Ducks looking as miserable as it was! |
I took this clip yesterday, but decided to save it for today, anticipating it not to be conducive to photography today. Daily visitors to the nature park leave seed mixes, and fat balls for the birds. This particular feeder is just below the small anemometer and is regularly stocked. Always worth a look.
The wind is getting stronger as I write. Very strong WSW wind forecast for tomorrow, and hopefully the rain will not be as heavy. Although it always feels heavy in driving rain!
