It looked like rain several times today, but it stayed dry. Sunny spells. A light variable breeze.
Heysham skear (Malcolm) 09:30 - 11:00
Eider 23 including a pair with 18-19 very young chicks. Possibly their first outing.
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| They arrived from the south swimming against the still ebbing tide. Nesting has been suspected somewhere around the north harbour wall. |
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| Mum took them to a shallow island to the north of the skear, this would be an ideal place for the chicks to find food. The presence of chicks attracted other females, which wasn't unwelcome. |
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| But the females attracted the males who were definitely not welcomed |
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| But now they were being followed |
They headed for the mud bank, the other females helping shepherd the flock.
This area of shore is relatively sterile and would not provide feeding opportunities for adult and chicks alike, and most of the Eider decided not to follow.
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| They eventually saw of the last persistent male |
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| Alone again, but they will have to find somewhere quiet to feed. Hopefully not spotted by a Great Black-Backed gull......good luck! |
Little Egret 3
Oystercatcher less than 500 seen
Curlew 2
Whimbrel at least 1 calling
Ringed Plover 5 (3 + 2)
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| 3 Ringed Plover |
Gulls - again only c500 seen and most were on the sea beyond the skear. This clip begins on a pair of Eider, watch the gulls on the right towards the end of the clip. One arrives with a newly broken open mussel, meanwhile others tug at gutweed to expose the seed mussels on it.
I couldn't resist another look this evening 19:15 - 21:00 (Malcolm)
About 500 gulls, I just managed to glimpse 1 ring but was unable to read it.
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| Not unusual to see Eider amongst the gulls |
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| It is unusual to see Mallard amongst the gulls! |
Turnstone 3
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| Turnstone |
Sanderling 3 zipped past to the north
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| Sanderling |
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| It was a very pleasant evening |
