Big ol' jellyfish wreck on the coast yesterday, with a deep corridor of ex-bubble-wrap stretching from Ainsdale to Formby.
I think they were Barrel Jellies, but I'm not that up on these critters - apart from one wonderfully irresponsible game of "Catch-the-Portuguese-Man-O'-War" in Watermill Cove on the Isles of Scilly many moons ago, my experience generally revolves round poking 'em with a stick, or admiring the really big ones from clifftops in the Hebs.
A few Carrion Crows tried eating 'em, but didn't seem overly impressed.
Earlier in the day, plenty of birds were moving over the dunes at Birkdale in the first blue skies for awhile - Fieldfare, Redwing, Blackbird, several flocks of Chaffinch, Reed Bunting, Skylark and Siskin, a few Mipits and Starlings.
The flooded slacks held squealing Water Rail, Jay, Bullfinch and Blackcap.
Looking particularly breathtaking, was this apparently rare rush - it has to be said, not the most enigmatic of uber plant ticks, when it was shown to me.
I'll have to get Phil Smith to tell me which one it is....Black Bog Rush? Sharp Club Rush?
Sharp bog brush more like.
Right, before I commit further botancial heresy, I'm off to the Birdfair at Martin Mere to blow my last few carefully scraped together pennies.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Hi John,
Early this morning moving south -small flocks of Fieldfare over Crossens inner. Also a Barnacle with the Pinks on Marshside 2
Mike.
Flock of at least 30 Waxwings in Horwich, Bolton today (Saturday).
At least four Woodcock were flushed from Ince Woods today by a shooting party with dogs,one came flying from the tree cover and was pursued by a Sparrowhawk down Park Wall Rd.
Also calling Nuthatch today and a Grey Wagtail a few days back.
Your plant is indeed Black Bog-rush (Schoenus nigricans), this being the only individual on the Sefton Coast and in the South Lancashire vice-county. It was originally found by the late Neil Robinson and me in 1977.
The plant was then about 30cm across but in June this year I reckoned it was 2.5m in diameter.
The nearest place you can see more of this species would be north Wales or Silverdale, where it usually grows in calcareous fens.
The Jelly-fish is Rhizostoma octopus,sometimes called the Sea Mushroom Jelly.
It is often abundant, especially on west coasts, and is harmless.
85+ Corn Bunts on the pylon wires on Churchtown Moss this morning.
Monday 22 November 2010 09.45
Just spotted flock of Waxwings about 50 in Horwich Station Park all in 1 high tree near the Leisure Center