Rapid ringing response

A very strong wind, but there was a bit of north in it making it a WNW. It threatened rain all day with some short showers, particularly in the afternoon.

Pete (M) checked the heliport roost and managed to read a ringed Oystercatcher. Remarkably he received its history within 20 minutes.

Ringed as a nestling in Norway 2022, this was its first sighting 

Report from Pete Crooks:

50 minute seawatch from the North harbour wall 9.20 - 10.10 am. 

Just c35 Kittiwake flying out of the bay at 9.40 am

Earlier Pete (M) saw flock of 20 out, 10 and 25 in prior to the 35 out so possibly same birds in separately then out together

South shore

I had a walk along the sea wall on the rising tide this morning (Malcolm). It was hard walking against the wind, but the wind too much from the north to blow anything into the bay.

Pale-bellied Brent geese 53 flew to Red Nab from the north side.

Shelduck 4

Wigeon 9

Wheatear 5

Wheatear battling against the wind to reach the foreshore rocks

Rock Pipit 2

This Curlew was struggling to stand against the wind, but is eventually rewarded with a snack.

Middleton Nature Reserve (MD)

Just a quick look at the "no swimming" pond to check on the Goosanders, but none seen today.

Cetti's warbler 2 singing

Chiffchaff 2 singing plus this one flitting through the bushes above the pond. This time of year is easiest to see them before the foliage emerges.

Heysham Nature Reserve (JP)

Janet managed this nice sequence of Roe Deer

Female Roe deer. Only the females have this rump tuft.
It's not a true tail, just a tuft of hair sported over winter

Jean passed on some interesting statistics. So far this year 90 species have been covered by this blog. But more importantly, there have been 30 contributors. All records and any photographs are always welcome and gratefully received. See contact details on the side bar.

Just out of the recording area - horse paddock behind Middleton Parish Hall

Glossy Ibis still present at 09:00 at least.

Mark Jones noted the record of the new Rookery just beyond Middleton Village and sent this phone camera shot of a Rook visiting his Middleton Sands holiday caravan feeding area. This is the first visit on 7th March.