Don't worry, I'm not about to branch off into amphibian porn (altho' if the money's good....), but the female of this busy pair that Duncan Rothwell found down in the slacks at Ainsdale today is quite brilliantly marked Vicar...a very striking beastie.
Away from seedy Common Toads, other things were on the move too, especially once the rain eased off mid-morning, with a continuous passage of Meadow Pipits, and smaller numbers of alba wags, Skylarks, and even Siskin and Redpoll calling in the grey overhead as they belted north.
Three Sparrowhawks were cruising the dunes, fully aware of the opportunities a spot of spring movement brings.
Plenty of Wheatears on the beach today as well - with seven in one group, four in another and several singletons.
Ralph Jones saw no fewer than three Swallows heading north during the course of the morning, low over the sand at Ainsdale, but I had my head stuck down a hole planting marram for most of the day, so will have to be patient for my March hirundine hit (not counting the nine species we had in Mexico).
Nice to see stuff starting to move in numbers...Osprey and the main spring rush just around the corner.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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First migrant today - one Swallow over West Tower, Aughton.
A walk along the sea wall between Meols and Moreton today revealed at least 6 singing Chiffchaffs, 1 Swallow, 3 Sand Martins,and loads of Mipits. Several Small Tortoishells, a Herald Moth on the wave wall and the ubiquitous Ruby Tiger caterpillars.Unusually for the time of year I didn't see a single Drinker Moth larva.
Flock of 20+ Reed Buntings in shrubs on the edge of open ground to the south of Elm Drive/Cedar Drive, Formby this morning.
Hello all! Five Wheatears and one Barn Owl, two Sand Martins down Engine Lane, Altcar today.
Singing Chiffchaff and Common Buzzard at the Litherland end of Rimrose Valley this morning.
Single Grey Heron nest building in the trees near Thornton
Hi Little Owl at Lunt 2 Merlin M F and a Red Kite on Altcar today .
Singing Chiffchaff at Banks tonight.