Terns still here, plus a Little glimpse

The wind was quite fresh and moved from the east to WNW over the cause of the day. One mid morning shower, then rain pretty much all afternoon.

South shore (MD)

I managed a morning walk before the shower started.

Linnet 100+ on the saltmarsh, the spring tides have stripped all the currently available seeds off the marsh plants. They were feeding on those seeds deposited on the tideline or dropping on the brambles like a plague of locusts!

Rock Pipit 2 along the sea wall

Meadow Pipit 2 on Ocean Edge grass

Arctic Tern 1 juvenile and Common Tern 1 juvenile on or around No.2 outflow - this is the Common Tern, but the Arctic makes a brief appearance towards the end (although you have to be quick to spot it).

This is also the Common tern, taking a break to preen its feathers.

A quick check in the afternoon confirmed that both Terns were still feeding on No.2 outflow.

Little Gull 1 adult - only seen once making its way along the seaward end of No.2 outflow.

Whooper Swan 4 flying towards the Lune estuary 

Wigeon 50 - this short clip is actually from yesterday, but it shows their resourcefulness as they climb half way up the sloping wall to feed on the gutweed there.

But the Wigeon were not the only birds to be scaling the sloping wall. The Great Black-Backed gull with the broken wing was on top of the sea wall as I walked out. I had resolved not to feed it as it would only prolong the "inevitable", but I couldn't resist it today. I had some soft dog treats in my pocket "full of protein and vitamins", if you believe the packaging. I left them on the wall and carefully walked past the gull. It immediately went over to investigate the treats, tasted them and discarded them! Gulls are not noted for being fussy eaters, my assumption that it must be starving was clearly incorrect.

On my way back it had climbed down the wall and was patrolling the rocks next to No.2 outflow.
Later still in the afternoon it was wandering between the caravans on Ocean Edge. Plenty of easy
pickings and treats there. So, it looks like its fate depends on the risk of predation rather than starvation.
At least a threat of a swift end, rather than an agonising one.

Long-Tailed Tits - at least 11 in the Nature Park close to Red Nab