South Shore (MD)
I just walked out to check No.2 outflow. On the way out the SE wind was driving the rain into my back, I "knew" walking back was going to be tough. I sheltered under the outflow superstructure while I checked the birds. In that time the wind had turned right round to the west and, thankfully, drove the rain against my back again when I returned.
Little Gull 6 at least. 3 adult, 1 second calendar year and at least 2 first calendar year.
This is one of the 1st calendar year birds. It wasn't easy maintaining focus through the rain, but a least this clip gives a sense on this morning's conditions (and a glimpse of the StenaLine heading out).
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| This is the 2nd calendar year, I originally mistook it for an adult as only traces of black on the upper wings. |
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| Adult Little Gull |
The juvenile Arctic Tern wasn't feeding this morning and so far I have not received any reports of it today.
Also:
Wigeon 60+ amongst Red Nab rocks.
Shelduck 31 out from the saltmarsh
Dunlin 27 out from the saltmarsh
Heysham Skear - low water 14:30 (MD)
By this time the sun was shining but you had to be wrapped up against the fresh west wind.
Eider 4
Red-breasted Merganser 5 together
Great Crested Grebe 1
There were a lot more Knot today, at least 2,500. They always look impressive flying in the sunshine. This is the largest flock coming in to land.
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| Ringed as a juvenile 24/08/21 at Ceredigion Wales. It has since been seen at Southport and Fornby, but this is the first Heysham record |
Oystercatcher 1,000 spread all over the skear. Very few of these are colour ringed, but I managed to spot one today.
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| Ringed as a nestling 18/06/21 at Garður Iceland. It was seen at Loch Ryan Scotland 25/09/21 and again 23/02/23 |
Redshank 80
Turnstone 60
Dunlin 2
Bar-Tailed Godwit 23
Curlew 9
