Raw, grey and cold on the beach between Shore Road and Weld Road today - apart from a few early sunny spells, it was snow flurries and mucho grande windchill all the way.
Luckily over 20 GBBs (for them at least) had something to keep them occupied - the carcass of an adult Harbour Porpoise - presumably the same animal that Joyce Jarvis mentioned a few days back.
They were really tearing into it, chasing off Carrion Crows and Herring Gulls if they came too close to the prize like Vultures at a dead Wildebeest on the Serengeti.
About 400 yards further south another dead Harbour Porpoise - a smaller animal - had also got the GBB treatment and there wasn't much left of it....you never know it just might bring in an Ivory Gull tho' - it was certainly cold enough.
My suspicions about a mini-ice age were confirmed, when in a brief sunny spell a dirty great Antonov came roaring low over the beach - could be part of an influx from Russia, or more likely Warton...
Common Scoter and Red Throated Diver offshore, and a big flock of gulls feeding on something out in the bay south of the rig.
Didn't really look for the Snow Bunts today, but hopefully they're still around.
Up at Marshside the Scaup and Green Winged Teal were all present and correct.
The Shoveler and 3 Little Grebes around the Sandgrounders hide looked positively sulky as the snow flurries got heavier.
Things had started so well earlier on at Dempsey Towers, with bright sunshine and a nice singing male Siskin in the back garden, along with Goldcrest and growing numbers of finches.
But that's the way it goes sometimes.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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470 Whooper Swans on Halsall Moss today at lunchtime, with 17 Greylag Geese tagging along, viewing north off Carr Moss Lane.
A small flock of Golden Plover (c30) further west off Segars lane with Lapwings.
What are your thoughts John (or anyone else) on the Porpoises, victims of the oil spill?
WWT Martin Mere is hosting a birdwatching walk on Wednesday 18 February to discover the hidden treasures of the Ribble Coast and Wetlands Regional Park and bring families and adults closer to nature.
The walk, part of the Ribble Coast and Wetlands Walking Festival from 15 to 22 February, is free and starts at 10am at Burscough Bridge Station. The walk is approximately 45 minutes in duration over rough terraine along local footpaths with a member of staff from Martin Mere. It is advised that you book onto this walk. Please call 01704 891220 for further information.
The Ribble Coast and Wetlands area is one of Europe's most special places for wildlife. The area supports internationally significant populations of birds with an average of 340,000 avian visitors per year making it one of the most important wetland places in Britain for migratory and breeding birds. The area's environmental significance together with its location between Merseyside and the Lake District resulted in its being recognised as a potential regional park for the North West.
Some of this series of guided walks along wetlands, sand dunes, riversides, parks, piers and coast are purely for site-seeing and fresh air. Many others will help you to discover wildflowers, red squirrels, moths, bats and the thousands of birds which make the Ribble Coast and Wetlands one of Europe's most special places for wildlife.
For further information about the walk, please call 01704 891220 or to download a leaflet visit: www.merseybasin.org.uk
Unfortunately given the state that both porpoises are in, I think it'd be near impossible to say what caused their demise Chris.
They look like they've been "GBB buffet" for over a week, so there's not a great deal left...
I note you found a second smaller porpoise dead on the beach. I have forwarded the details to the NHM strandings team - hope you don't mind. Cracking picture of the bully boys wading in for some scram - definitely very Serengeti
Hi John
There's a report on the Manchester birding website of two Green Winged Teal at Marshside on Monday did you see them?
I ask because I'm coming over your way on Thursday this week and it will be interesting to find 2 GWT.
Also are the Snow Bunts still at Ainsdale and likewise the Crossbills at Mere Sands? Nothing like doing a bit of homework before hitting the road!!!!
Sid Ashton
Howdy Sid - still only one Green Winged Teal at Marshside as far as I know...there was a bird at Seaforth recently, which may have led to the confusion.
The drake at Marshside was displaying to a female Common Teal at the weekend, which may also have muddied some people's waters...
Snow Bunts last reported on Sunday - if anyone has seen 'em today, please let us know.
As for the Crossbills, I think they're still about, but tricky, I haven't heard any new gen since last week on 'em - try the pines east of the "End Lake" at Mere Sands - or if you've got time, walk the Woodland Path in Ainsdale NNR.
J
Thanks for the info John - I shall let you know if I find anything of interest
Sid A
4 Snow Buntings still present today, not sure whats happened to the other two though.
Hi Sid,
Just thought I would let you know I saw the Crossbills today both male & female at Mere sands near "End Lake" in the pine trees. Very exciting - my first!