I thought that spring wader-finding would be the name of the game today, and I checked most of the area's muddy fringes this morning. Two small grey-backed waders at Freeman's Pools had the temerity to be Common Sandpipers (and not stints), and this Ruff had the nerve not to be....well.. I'll let it off because; a) it's so good-looking-- and b) Ruffs are scarce here in spring.
It was on 'the flood' where the local Little Ringed Plovers and another Common Sandpiper were also feeding. I got a few pics with my new camera which just about do it justice.
To expand the wadery theme Guy had an impressive flock of 29 Whimbrels flying over this evening. The biggest party in Lancaster and district so far this year?
A passerine influx was evidenced by 3 'new' Sedge Warblers (in addition to the 2 Freeman's Pools males) four Wheatears and a Garden Warbler by Freeman's Pools--the latter was a welcome and slightly overdue year-tick for Aldcliffe. A Chiffchaff singing in the scrub just NW of Keyline also seemed to be new in.
Up to thirty Swifts and fifteen House Martins were hawking low over the patch early on and c15 each of Sand Martin and Swallow headed north.
A Stock Dove was seen twice mid-morning. Is it my imagination or is this species seen here more often these days?
DH.
No comments:
Post a Comment