Clouds lower than a snake's belly, and a mild southerly marked the arse end of poor old Hurricane Bill on the coast today - warm and drizzly, with the rig obscured by mist for most of the day.
The odd Persil-white Gannet emerged from the gloom over the tide, looking mighty lonely against the grey swell.
20 Common Tern and 10 Sarnies roosting on the beach, amongst the Herring and LBBs, and Gordon White had a Wheatear on the Coast Road.
Wader numbers really starting to pick up at Ainsdale now though, with 50+ Grey Plover, some in stonking summer plumage still, a Whimbrel trilling its way south, Curlew, Barwits, Sanderling, Ringed Plover etc.
I've always had a thing for Grey Plover - superb birds, if they were rarities, the world and his wife would drop everything to connect with one.
Many of the Barwit and Knot feeding in the channels are in summer plumage too, but can be tricky to approach - especially when a Peregrine has just tazzed through.
Wader of the day was undoubtedly the Wilson's Phalarope, which was up on Crossens Outer again today - Neill H had it earlier I believe, and "Mad Dog" Bannon watched it this evening.
I called in as the light was fading - no sign of the elusive little weasel, but Marsh Harrier, Merlin and 6 Kestrels hunting the outer marsh, and wildfowl numbers building up.
Loadsa Swallows hawking low over the marsh.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Hi John,
Wilsons Phal again on Crossens outer at 3pm today, 26 Aug. Me and Trops had it before flying out of sight towards Baxters. Got a call from Tony Baker and the man who is John Bannon saying it was present again early evening in the same area.
On the outer near the gate on the coast road opposite the sewage works. Major Marshside Tick for anyone willing to stake it out.
Hi Dad
Thanks for plugging my exhibition at Martin Mere I appreciate it. Don't suppose you would want to link my website while you're there would you.www.intheframeimages.com
Thanks again
Wilson's Phal at Martin Mere today, till 4.30pm at least.