A very strong WNW wind all day. Heavy showers and sunny spells.
Pete checked the sea:
Common Scoter 11 (1 flock)
Teal pair
Red-Throated Diver 1
South shore
I had a walk along the sea wall this morning, then a brief evening check (Malcolm)
Pale-bellied Brent goose 11 on Red Nab in the evening
Eider 4 (3+1) out in the morning
Shag 1 adult flew into the harbour mouth this morning, it didn't so much land as stall.
At this point it was near the south roundhead,
it then moved over to the north roundhead and fished near the rocks, before moving along the north wall.
 |
| At least the wind made its crest look slightly more impressive |
Apart from the Eider, nothing seemed to be moving, so I decided to head back. Then I noticed that the SeaTruck was heading in, I estimated about 10 minutes. 20 minutes later it was still out from the wooden jetty. It clearly wasn't safe to attempt to enter the harbour so it turned back.
 |
| SeaTruck doing a U-turn |
The Stena Line was coming in behind it but I'd done enough waiting and headed for home. I could see from further along the wall that the Stena Line also turned back. This was 09:20.
 |
| Both ships were still moored in deep water at 16:30 |
Rock Pipit 4 - 2 at lighthouse, 1 each Red Nab and saltmarsh
Linnet 4 on saltmarsh
Pied Wagtail 1 (makes a change having a Pied Wagtail clip, this one is actually from yesterday).
Wheatear 14 at least, most sheltering around the saltmarsh edges.
 |
| Wheatear - one of Janet's shots from yesterday |
These shots are also from Janet from yesterday. This Lesser Black-Backed Gull is regurgitating a waste pellet.
I had this Willow warbler just outside my window this afternoon. It was trying its best to get out of the wind.
 |
| On three occasions it tried to get through the glass, before giving up, and moving on |
Just out of the recording area. Horse paddock behind Middleton Parish Hall.
The Glossy Ibis has been more erratic of late. Seen yesterday morning and early afternoon but not later in the afternoon. It also wasn't about this morning, so I checked it out just after lunch (Malcolm).
The Ibis was there then, as was a White Wagtail, a Little Egret and six Swallows.
But within a few minutes the Swallow numbers had grown to 13 plus a House Martin. As I was leaving there were at least 21 hirundines flying about, many quite high. Think they were all Swallow except for one or possibly two House Martins.
 |
| Nine Swallow in this shot |
A passing check from the road at 15:00 saw there were still c12 Swallow but no sign of the Ibis
