Little gulls, hand outs and leftovers

A fresh SW wind became very strong in the afternoon. The inevitable rain managed to hold off till 15:00.

First an update from yesterday:

Mediterranean Gull 1 adult following ferry out of port yesterday pm - thanks to Jen Coates and Mark Fanshawe.

Mediterranean gull by Jen Coates

Heysham skear - low water 08:45 (MD)

The wind wasn't so strong at this time, but it cold!

Very Little on the sea:

Eider 16

Pale-bellied Brent goose 11 - there is virtually nothing for them to eat on or around the skear, there were two groups 5 and 6. The 6 were just drifting around on the north side, the group of 5 had been on the western edge, but flew to the SE skear corner just as the tide started making.

Pink-Footed goose c300 in 4 skeins, high to the north

Oystercatcher 2500

Knot 1,500

Curlew 30

Redshank just 15 - most seem to be on the south side of the harbour.

Turnstone 100

Ringed Plover 25

Six Carrion Crows on Conger rock

South shore - mid afternoon at the height of the SW wind but before the rain (MD, AP)

Pale-bellied Brent geese 36 (14, 3 and 19) were feeding on Red Nab

Wigeon 200

Little Gull 2 adult - I went along the wall first (MD) and just saw the one feeding between No.2 outflow and Red Nab. Alan was just setting off as I was heading back, the first gull continued to feed near No.2 and Alan picked up a second between the outflows.

This is the first Little gull, looking back towards Red Nab. Quite early in the clip, you can see the group of three Brent geese setting off to the south.

Adult Little Gull

Rock Pipit 2 - one each Red Nab and Saltmarsh 

Also on saltmarsh 

Reed Bunting 2 

Skylark 1 

Common Snipe 1

Nature Park:

Janet put out some more of her peanut chips near the white barrier:

Great Tit

Blue Tit

Coal Tit

The birds arrived very quickly for the feast so Janet tried to tempt them to hand, but only a Robin was brave enough.

There were several Robins, this one was looking the worse for wear, at least it won't have an empty stomach tonight.

Grey Squirrel awaiting its turn

I walked past the barrier this afternoon (MD). There was no obvious food around. But this flock of 10 Long-Tailed Tits were finding plenty of leftovers. One of these has a bad leg and is using its wings and tail for additional support.

Just out of the recording area - Middleton Parish Hall

Glossy Ibis in the horse paddock behind the Hall at least till late morning.