A light predominantly SW wind, plenty of sun but only hazy at times.
Middleton Nature Reserve
Ringing report by Alan:
Ringing this morning at Middleton (or lack of). After a southerly breeze overnight and cloudy sky the wind veered a little west of south by around 06.00 and was almost westerly by 09.00.
I set three nets on the west side from 05.00. By 08.45, after six net rounds I had caught nothing but a single retrapped Robin. It was surprising that not even a few local birds were caught here. John set three on the east side and the result was little better, although a single one of the potential target species was trapped - Spotted Flycatcher.
Total captures resulting from around 18 net/hours:
Lesser Whitethroat 2 retraps
Reed Warbler 1 + 1 retrap
Reed Bunting 1 retrap
Spotted Flycatcher 1
Willow Warbler 1 retrap
Common Whitethroat 1
Robin 1 retrap
Later, Mark Jones heard 2 Reed Warbles singing at the main pond.
Heysham Skear (MD)
Two short visits today, on the rising morning tide and early in the ebbing tide. Both would be ideal for seeing any Sanderling present, but none seen today.
Kittiwake 105. 07:15 - Probably drifted in with the rising tide as they appeared out of nowhere, they milled around before heading inland.
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| Some of the mainly adult Kittiwake |
However on examining my shots, a smaller gull was with them and with oddly dark looking wings. Probably affected by the low early morning light, it's identity wasn't obvious. After much discussion and analysis it was Chris Batty who finally managed to confirm that it was a 2nd Summer Little Gull. - thanks Chris.
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| Not an obvious 2nd summer Little Gull with Kittiwakes |
For the eagled eyed amongst you the Little Gull is centre top at the beginning of this clip (watch in slow motion)
Little Egret 4 - this one was catching small flatfish on the rising tide.
Eider not counted but still c20 males
Great Crested Grebe 2
A bit more wader variety in the afternoon
Oysters c250
Whimbrel 1
Curlew 20
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| Curlew flying in from the east |
Turnstone 31, most now largely in summer plumage, these are a few of them.
Just out of the recording area - Heysham Moss Nature Reserve
Janet had a walk around.
