Grey Plovers not as expected

Feeling much cooler today with a fresh NE wind. Sunny spells.

South shore (Malcolm) 09:00 - 11:30

I walked to the waterline out from Ocean Edge towards high water. Based on recent days I was expecting to see Grey Plovers there. There was, but just a solitary bird!

Grey Plover in summer plumage 

Curlew 200+

Whimbrel 1

House Martin 15 together feeding above the shoreline as they drifted south

House Martin 

Linnet 30 feeding on the saltmarsh 

Little Egret 2

By the time I had got back to the saltmarsh it was 10:00 - high water. I looked back to the waterline and saw small waders arriving. Someone had driven to the waterline out from Potts Corner to walk several dogs. The disturbance sending the waders into the recording area. I walked back.

Grey Plover 200

Knot 40

Dunlin 5

Grey Plover, Dunlin and a Knot 

More were arriving from the south all the time

This was the last lot to arrive before some headed back south - I should have checked if the dog walkers had finished, but I didn't.

Those that remained were in the same spot where I photographed them yesterday 
from the foreshore. Today the foreshore rocks are in the background 

There are loads of tiny snails to feed on here. 

The Knot were feeding frantically, but as ever, the Grey Plover just stood around!

Dunlin

Mediterranean gulls 3 - 2 x 2nd calendar year and an adult 

Mediterranean gulls

After a bit of coaxing, I managed to persuade each one to stand up briefly.
Unfortunately, none were ringed

Middleton Nature Reserve (Janet)

Female/immature Tufted Duck

Cormorants 

One of the young Cormorants is particularly confiding

The young Coot are diving for themselves now

Goldfinch

Male Common Darter

Small Tortoiseshell 

Green-Veined White

Red Admirals

Shaded Broad-Bar

Later Janet received a video suggesting that one of the adult Mute Swans has a damaged wing, hopefully nothing serious, but a bit worrying!

  

Swift Midd NR this evening also 50-60 swallow just before roost time -  Pete