I nearly didn't pop down to Weld Road this evening to see Ralph Jones' superb Shorelark, but when he texted me again at 4.05pm to say the bird was still there, I couldn't resist it.
It's been years since I've seen one of these beauties on the Sefton coast, so despite the fact it was nearly dark, I gave the bird a punt, and luckily found it pretty quick, right where Ralph had left it.
Shame the light had gone, so I couldn't get any decent pix, but these blurry images should give you the general idea.
The bird was feeding constantly, whizzing around over the muddy pools just to the north of the Weld Road car park, and as is often the way with this species, it was fairly unconcerned about my presence, coming to within 20 feet in the gathering gloom.
Then again, it was so dark and rainy, it probably couldn't see me - I could hardly see it sometimes!
If the bird is still there tomorrow, please don't crowd it - the last one on the beach stayed for a few weeks, and if this one isn't hassled too much, it may do the same.
Park at the Weld Road roundabout car park and walk north along the sandy upper shore towards the pier to look for it.
The Shorelark favoured the muddy, flooded area on the left.
It was only a few metres past the "No vehicles" sign when I pulled out at 5pm.
If the small car park is full, use the Park and Ride car park on Southport seafront and walk down.
Excellent find Ralph, very well done.
Mr Jones's Shorelark redeemed an otherwise uneventful day on the mosses, where Pheasants and Red Legs were playing "King of the Castle" on the hay bales on the Withins, and Buzzard and Merlin were hunting Plex.
A few Corn Buntings and a big big Starling flock were the only other birds of interest, apart from skeins of Pinkies overhead flapping towards favoured roosting sites.
A quick look off Hesketh Road at several hundred grazing Pinkies produced one Barnacle Goose, and a decent roost of Lapwings and Goldies, with Little Egrets heading in towards the Marine Lake roost.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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phil boardman wrote...
Hello all. I had a juv Marsh Harrier on north altcar and the withins at midday today. I will try to get some photos of the Shorelark if still there t t f n .
Posted by: phil boardman | November 7, 2009 7:21 PM