Got a few hours in at the marsh today, bumping into Bazzo, Trops and Er Neill.
Clear blue skies and a cruel northerly meant passage was non-existent at first glance, as you'd expect, and yet there were still birds about.
A Chiffchaff was feeding in the willows by the Sandplant, which held two Pied Wags, the usual Linnet flock, three Wheatears, Skylark and the pair of young Kestrels up to rumpy-pumpy on the north bank.
A few Swallows tazzed north, oozing determination.
Two males Wheatears and a female, finding rich pickings on the compound walls, and Mipits bleeping through.
A trudge down to Nels failed to produce the Garganey on Marshside One (it was behind the Junction Pool early doors), but the Little Grebes were yikkering away like crazy, and about 200 Goldies were roosting, while Blackwits and Ruff fed around them.
Back up at Sandgrounders hide, the long-staying sub-adult Med Gull was amongst the cacophony of BHGs as usual, but quite a way back out on the marsh, so no chance of decent pictures in the wobbly shimmer.
And it spent most of the time asleep.
As we waited for the Med to do something, Trops picked up Common Buzzard and Sprawk up over Churchtown and a Grasshopper Warbler began reeling to the north of the hide in the scrub along the bank.
No chance of seeing the little weasel as it reeled away, but good to hear one back all the same.
Apparently a bit more cloud tomorrow and rain on Tuesday - so things may get better.
Anyone seeing anything, or is it finally Birdblog bye bye time?
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
- Post to:
del.icio.us
Digg
Newsvine
Nowpublic
Reddit
« Previous | Home | Next »
John, I am no birder as you put it, but I can tell my Pinkfeet from my Red Legs (and Grey Partridge too) but do enjoy nature. I have over the last couple of years enjoyed reading your blog, and long may it continue. Should you decide to call it a day, then thank you for your blog.
Hi John, Went Ladybird hunting today, found hundreds of 7 Spotted. These were mainly under trees in the grass and nettles. A few Harlequin were up on the branches higher up.
Also two Willow Warblers in song by the Municipal Golf Course .
One Buzzard high over Crossens Inner late this afternoon heading inland.
Mike.
I'm a beginning birder and this blog is the first place I come to. I'd love to contribute more to the feedback but I'm really too much of a journeyman at the moment.
That I got into birding at all was in large part down to this site.
It's a fantastic resource: I've learned so much about the multitude of species, their terrain and their habits from your excellent writing,
All supplemented by some great photography.
Selfishly I'd obviously rather it go on for many years to come yet. But if you do decide to call it a day, I'd like to echo Alan's words, above and say thank you. Good luck.
I've tried to tell you not to stop blogging for a while but your site won't let me comment.
Please don't stop cos I love reading about what's about.
I went to Sunderland Point, by Heysham Power station today, looking for Belted Beauty Moths.
Saw plenty of males and females and one mating pair.
Awesome!
John I too have tried to leave comments previously - anyway looks ok this time.
It would be a real shame if you packed in with your blog, it's always entertaining and informative and anyway what else would you do in the evening!
Don't venture up to Sefton enough now to comment, but still have this blog as a favourite to see what's about and if I should nip up there.
Keep it up! Had probs posting comment before too...