An afternoon visit to Martin Mere to see the Spoonbill today - there it was in the pools off the United Utilities Hide, a gazillion miles away, but still looking quite good.
To its credit it didn't do what Spoonbills normally do - ie sleep, rather the bird preened for awhile before going off on a feeding exercise, sweeping its bill through the shallow water.
Some apricot banding on the chest and a nice yellowy blob at the end of the spatulate bill, just visible through the horrible heat haze.
Only half a crest though.
Apart from that the mere was quiet - Tree Sparrows, Avocets, Grey Herons etc, but only one Dunlin amongst a few Blackwits, Lapwings and Redshanks from the Ronnie Barker Hide.
At least two summering Pink Feet and three Whoopers down there too.
A Buzzard in the background, a few Kestrels, but no other raptors of note.
Three Stock Dove on Vinsons and Sunleys Marsh.
If I don't get a decent seawatch soon, I will not be held accountable for my actions.
Graham Moreton did much better with the Spoonbill than I did, and has sent me a few shots - and he got the Green Sandpiper too.
Thanks, and well done, Graham...
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
- Post to:
del.icio.us
Digg
Newsvine
Nowpublic
Reddit
« Previous | Home | Next »
Simon G wrote...
Hi John. Hobby hawking over fields between Hall Road and Hightown this morning brightened up the train journey into town.
Posted by: Simon G | June 16, 2008 12:49 PM