Met Neill and Bazzo on Hesketh Road at 7.15am and we gave the marsh an early morning seeing to.
Lovely blue skies meant there wasn't much new in, but it was a reet grand time of day to be out.
Greenland Wheatear, Greater Pecker, Whimbrel and assorted Mipits when we checked "The Land of the Leprechauns" aka the willows along Fleetwood Road, with a few Redpoll and Siskin over.
More Redpoll and Siskin over Hesketh Golf Course, with singing Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff, Blackcap and one Whitethroat - but these are birds that have been around for a day or two now.
2 Reed Warblers in the SSSI ditch, and another Wheatear at the bottom of M1.
The Sandplant was quiet, bar the two Grey Partridges and a few Swallows moving through, Linnets and Mipits, while Marshside Two echoed to the squawking of almost 1,000 Black Headed Gulls as they decided whether to get a colony going this year or not...
Makes a change from the Avocets being the noisiest birds on the marsh.
Chiffchaff singing opposite the Sandplant, and on the way down to Nels, and two Sedge Warbler singing by the Marshside Road junction.
Small Tortoiseshell and Green Veined Whites fluttering about.
Looking straight into the light from Nels made checking the waders a bit of a pain, but the Curlew Sandpiper was with a few Dunlin and the summer plumage Spotted Redshank was still showing off in the shallows at the back of the lagoon.
A handful of Golden Plover about.
Now several broods of young Lapwings tottering about the drier areas.
Bazzo mentioned that he'd watched the Little Egrets displaying south of Nels a day or two back - a "pair" of birds were still dozing in the area today.
It'd be great if they finally get round to nesting locally.
Back home in time for a cholesterol busting fry-up (I'm in the clear this week, with the food police away till the weekend).
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Alison Cook, RSPB wrote...
Environmentally aware and accredited cruise company, Ullswater ‘Steamers’ has floated a plan to further support wildlife and biodiversity in the stunning Ullswater valley.
The ‘Steamers’ are laying on two special RSPB-sponsored cruises, on May 9 and June 20, combining a wildlife cruise with a choice of guided walk.
Each day will begin with a two-hour sail from Glenridding to Pooley Bridge, departing at 10am. RSPB experts will be present on the boats to point out any wildlife and highlight the work of the Society. On arrival, passengers can choose to head off on either an RSPB led ‘Woodland Wander’, or ‘River Ramble’.
Following both walks, passengers will sail back to Glenridding, perhaps participating in a bit of bird bingo en route!
Tickets cost £12 for an adult and £6 for a child. RSPB members receive a discount and under 5s are free. Passengers need a packed lunch and should wear sensible clothing and footwear. For more details and to book, call 017684 82229.
Posted by: Alison Cook, RSPB | April 22, 2009 5:18 PM