The rain finally stopped overnight, leaving a dry sunny day. A light SE breeze
Just my stuff so far (Malcolm)
Middleton Nature Reserve - main pond
It was still quiet, but 3 Tufted Duck and 2 Gadwall had returned
Imperial Rd
Little Egret 1
Grey Heron 1
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| It was calling as it flew off, immediately triggering a response from at least two Water Rail and a Cetti's warbler |
Stonechat, both the male and female were showing well again, near the blocked off entrance 50m from the bypass roundabout.
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| Female Stonechat |
This clip begins slightly out of focus as the focus was set to where the male had been. Fortunately he quickly returned to the same spot. They were using the fences as lookout posts then flying off when they spotted an insect.
Heysham skear 11:15 - 12:30
Pale-bellied Brent goose - at least 18. 4 and 2 flew north and at least 12 on the rocks out from the play area.
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| Brent geese heading north |
Eider 35
Red-breasted Merganser 4
Great Crested Grebe 1
Shag 1 juvenile flew south, so close I could barely fit it in frame.
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| Juveniles Shag |
I had gone down early in the ebbing tide to check the Knot. Initially there were two resting groups of 300, then as they moved to the newly exposing feeding areas they were joined by another 900. But no sooner had they landed when 2 Peregrines attacked and completely, well almost completely, cleared the skear of Knot.
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| Neither Peregrine was successful this time |
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| This small group of Knot decided to stand their ground during the attack. This behaviour was also seen last winter period. A reasonable tactic as long some birds do take to the air, and the grounded ones hold their nerve! |
