Heavy early morning showers, and some lighter ones in the afternoon. A light NW wind to begin with, but it drifted to SW by the afternoon.
Imperial Rd (Malcolm) 08:30 - 09:00
I went this morning to better understand exactly what is happening with the Stonechat family. But ended up being more confused than ever.
The male was still feeding at least three youngsters hidden in the bushes and undergrowth, but today he seemed to be advertising that he had food and waited till a youngster called out to be fed. He seemed to be everywhere!
Then, at one point at least, there were two adult male Stonechats! I only saw two at the same time once, I don't know if the second bird was just attracted by the sounds of feeding and moved on. Or helped with the feeding. Or if he has his own territory nearby. More investigation required!
Buzzard 1 at least. This one flew into the copse through a gauntlet of crows.
 |
| Buzzard |
Kestrel 1
Shelduck 1 west
Canada geese 12 west
 |
| Canada geese |
Grey Heron 1
Little Egret 1
Reed Bunting 1
 |
| Reed Bunting |
Song Thrush and Mistle Thrush both heard.
Greenfinch 6 including at least 4 juveniles
Goldfinch several
Chaffinch 1 singing
Linnet 2
The only warblers seen or heard was a Chiffchaff and Sedge warbler.
Heysham skear (Malcolm) 14:30 - 15:30
A check before low water saw very little.
Gulls 400, an increase probably due to the SW wind providing better shrimping opportunities, although most were just resting when I checked. No ringed birds seen.
Little Egret 2
Nothing seen on the sea except gulls and a single cormorant.
 |
| Cormorant |
Oystercatcher 500 were the only waders.
