Brief visit to the coast here this afternoon after attending a conference in Lancaster. Quite big swathes of birds both on the sands and in the fields adjacent.
Among many I could not identify through lack of a scope:
Curlew - circa 30 in field and 10 on sands Starling - circa 50 in field Redshank - 25 on sands
Distant ducks (!) seemed to be mostly Mallard, though there were at least 5 Shelduck.
I was very happy to see approx 50 mixed Fieldfares and Redwing in trees at roadside in Moss Lane, who didn't stay still long enough for a better count. Fieldfares seemed to predominate - first this year for me.
Not exactly the estuary but couldn't find a thread. Mad dash after work to aldcliffe marsh for the lesser yellowlegs and had great views within minutes of getting there unlike on saturday when it took a two hour wait for the pallas's warbler to show well!thanks to Scott Reid(reade?)for the info on my arrival.also got decent views of the wood sandpiper.if anyone can manage to get up there I would advise it.also present: 3 goldeneye 20 redshank 15 snipe 2 woodcock over at dusk
A mid morning visit to the Lune Estuary produced Kentish Plover, a life time first for John Barber and myself. We found the bird with the able assistance of Nick Isherwood who was already there when we arrived - a smashing bird giving great views on the mud and then accompanied by several Ringed Plover and Dunlin moving toward the rocks with the incoming tide .
Also of interest seen were 4 Eiders and a Whimbrel.
An afternoon visit to Cockersand for the reported Kentish Plover.
On arrival, I bumped into Ian Woosey (nice to see you again Ian after all this time!!) who showed me where to look.
The bird was quickly found sheltering from the wind behind some rocks and stubble amongst a few Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin, although initially, the best view I got was of the head and upperbody only before it decided to sit down completely out of view.
Ian therefore decided to leave having already had good views of the bird earlier.
A short while later, the Kentish Plover decided to stand up and cracking views were had through the 'scope as it stood on top of a rock amongst a few Ringed Plovers and a Dunlin. It then walked across the mudflats before taking flight with the Ringed Plovers.
It was however reported as present again this evening.
A great bird so close to home and a lifer for myself and Ian!!
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Tuesday 3rd of May 2011 09:05:19 PM
-- Edited by Phil Owen on Tuesday 3rd of May 2011 09:08:24 PM
