Few hours at Marshside this afternoon, during which time the non-breeding plumage Spoonbill which had been present all day did what they do best at Polly's Pool; it slept and slept.
Always suspect Spoonbills party like teenagers on Ibiza every night while under the cover of darkness - it would go some way to explaining their spectacular lethargy during daylight hours.
I have seen more active Three Toed Sloths.
To be fair the Spoonbill did wake up once or twice (when one of the nearby Cormorants moved suddenly), had a stretch, contemplated the parlous state of the universe and then went back to sleep again.
Presumably the same bird that has been around Banks for the last month or so, but as I've been lazier than a Spoonbill and not managed to get up to see that one, I wouldn't know - perhaps someone can enlighten me?
After a brief period watching the static white blob, I headed over to the Sandplant to check the bushes and the Grassy Knoll.
Wall and Peacock butterflies around the ragwort.
Not much else in there, apart from 3 Willow Warblers, Goldfinches, Reed Bunts, Robins etc, but at least it feels like something good could pop out, especially after a bit of rain.
A crisp juv Marsh Harrier was hunting the outer marsh, and three Greenshank flew south calling away.
Down at Nels HIde, the steady increase in Teal and Wigeon is starting to attract the big bad boys who never say no to a duck snackette.
Two Ruff amongst the impressive Blackwit roost alongside Lapwing, Redshank and Snipe, while one of the eclipse Garganey eyed the GBB with alarm and wisely stuck close to the reed cover to the right of the hide.
Good numbers of House Martins and Sand Martins hawking in front of the hide, and 20 Golden Plovers whizzed through.
It's time for the first Pink Feet any day now.
Eyes to the skies everyone, eyes to the skies...
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Hello John a female (ring-tail) Hen Harrier was on the Withins and south Altcar tonight .photo on flickr
Female Marsh Harrier on the Withins this afternoon.
Dainty juv Black Tern flew into tern roost on Ainsdale beach tonight at 1900, joining 170+ Sarnies and Common Terns. Tiny next to 'em.
Think it's the first I've seen here this year.