The shoreline was absolutely stunning during the early part of today -virtually no one on the sands between Ainsdale and Southport till lunchtime, shining white sand, blue sea, blue sky, and oddly, a flock of 16 Canada Geese which dropped into the channels just south of the Green Beach before high tide.
Now it is true that you certainly see stranger sights on Ainsdale beach than wayward goose flocks (believe me, the late shifts have given me enough material for several books already!), but the Canadas were still unexpected.
No rings on any of the birds, just a displaced flock, but diverting nonetheless.
Not much else, certainly nothing to compete with Hilbre's Paddyfield Warbler, but still a few Painted Ladies struggling through, and Gannets plunge diving north of Southport Pier this morning.
Dunlin, Sanderling, Oycs and Barwits on the high tide roost.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Just got back from a seawatch at Formby Point.
Guillemot 3
Gannet 10+
Manx Shearwater 10
Common Scoter 5
Common Tern 60+
Teal 4
Bar Tailed Godwit
Grey Plover
Great Crested Grebe 2
2 Swifts in off the sea.
Chris
Latest from Downholland/Plex Moss:
23.5.09: 70 Mallard, + 3 young; 3 Tufted Duck; 1 Whimbrel; 6 male Reed Warbler; 70+ Rook; 1 Raven.
24.5.09: 2 Mute Swan; 3 Canada geese; 8 Mallard; 10 Buzzard; 1 Whimbrel; 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker; 1 Whinchat.
25.5.09: 2 Canada Geese; 2 Tufted Duck; 1 Whimbrel, 1 Great Spotted Woodpecker.
26.5.09: 1 Cormorant; 4 Buzzard; 1 Hobby; 1 Common Tern.
27.5.09: 1 ad fem Marsh Harrier.
28.5.09: 1 Canada Goose; 2 calling Quail; 2 Raven.
1.6.09: 1 juv Peregrine.
2.6.09: 1 juv Peregrine; 1 Raven.
3.6.09: 1 Raven.
Hi John,
I live in Eccleston (the one near Chorley) while out on my local patch this morning I was delighted to see a Common Tern heading East (inland), a patch lifer! I know they are often seen inland and breed at places like Wigan Flashes but I've never actually seen one travelling overland.
Also I'm pleased to have singing Lesser Whitethroat back on site after being absent last year. Though I haven't had any Willow Warblers at all.
I inadvertently flushed a Water Rail on Birkdale Green Beach this afternoon - an interesting date?
Went to the cruise terminal today at the Pier Head and whilst looking at the German ship that's on a visit a male Linnet landed on a lamp post and burst into song, it then flew towards the city centre .
"Deutschland Uber Alles", " When Irish Eyes Are Smiling", or "In My Liverpool Home"?
Ron