A very strong NW wind all day. Heavy showers in the morning.
Pete had a check at high water (12:30)
Kittiwake 8 adult lifted off then landed again in same place on sea off heysham north wall - possibly part of bigger group staying on sea from past experience
The Heliport was washed clean of Knot!
This set of spring tides has been far from a washout though, with several ringed birds read. These are a couple of Howards shots from earlier in the set.
I didn't venture out till mid afternoon, a shower was just easing (Malcolm). A battle along the south wall but blown back in double quick time. I needn't have bothered most of the birds were hunkered down out of the wind.
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| Herring, Lesser and Great Black-backed gulls, plus Oystercatcher hunkered down behind the foreshore |
Willow warbler 1 had been grounded on Red Nab, but it managed to blunder its way through the Power Station perimeter fence.
Red-breasted Merganser 1 male was trying to fly high to the west, but couldn't make it and had to land.
It managed a little later by flying low close to the waves.The slow laboured flight of this Little Egret against the wind, gave the impression of a Great White, particularly as its feet were dark with mud.
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| Little Egret |
These Turnstone had moved from the saltmarsh shingles, where they normally feed, to feed in the lee of the saltmarsh slipway.
Rock Pipit 3 - 1 braving Red Nab, 2 sheltering behind the west bank of the saltmarsh, even so the wind was still quite strong, and they needed rocks and plants for added protection.
Wheatear 10 - 1 struggling on the foreshore the rest sheltering around the saltmarsh north and west banks.
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| Four Wheatears below the north bank of the saltmarsh |
This clip by Angela Gillon from the Nature Park a couple of days ago. The Grey Squirrels are quick to take advantage of any food left for the wildlife here by visitors.
Just out of the recording area - horse paddock behind Middleton Parish Hall
Glossy Ibis still in horse paddock feeding around sheds and manure heap at south end so sometimes out of sight from the village hall car park
