Okay, so it ain't the superb Citrine Wag at Seaforth today (nice one Pete and co), but while I was on the sands at Ainsdale this morning at the height of the tide, a fine young Black Tern came winging into a small Sarnie Tern roost at the bottom of the Green Beach.
No scope or anything, so forgive the poor, shaky "point and press" pix, but any day with a Black Tern in is a good 'un!
It settled for awhile over the peak of the tide, hunkering down into the wind like the Sarnies and Common Terns which seemed huge next to the ladder-backed beauty in the roost, before it headed north along the tideline to join a larger congregation (it is Sunday vicar!) further up the coast.
Good numbers of waders on the tide, as you would expect - Sanderling, Dunlin, some spanking full summer plumage Grey Plover, Ringed Plover, Knot, Turnstone - all the usual suspects, while up at Southport, Golden Plover were dropping into the marsh off Fairways, where a large Oystercatcher roost was building and six Little Egrets prowled the marsh grass.
Wheatear here too, with three on Southport beach yesterday at 8.45am, and a few parties of alba wags dotted about here and there.
Gorgeous crazy big green sea off Ainsdale, with plenty of crisp white breakers - but as is often the case, too wild to pick much up moving offshore, although there were a few Gannets passing.
Sometimes just watching the Sarnie Terns commuting against a stormy horizon is enough.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Fem type Marsh Harriers on Crosby and Churchtown Moss this last week
RSPB Leighton Moss exhibition Thursday 1 September to Wednesday 30 November (10 am to 4 pm):
RSPB Leighton Moss nature reserve will be exhibiting in ‘The Bateman Gallery’ at Carnforth Station Visitor Centre and will demonstrate why it is such a popular place for people as well as for fantastic wildlife. You will be able to watch a short film about the reserve throughout the seasons, children can take part in a fun singing bird quiz and there will be lots of information about what you can see and do on a visit there.
29/8, Formby Point seawatch, 0900-1200:
Manx Shearwater 2
Common Scoter 40
Kittiwake 5
Sandwich Tern 7
Common Tern 5
Arctic Tern 1
Dismal.