Conder Green Pool: 70 Teal, 3 Little Grebes and 3 Greenshanks.
River Conder (High Tide) : 2 Avocets, 2 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets and 40+ Teal.
Glasson Marina:
2m Goldeneyes, 1m Goosander, 28 Tufted Ducks, 5 Great Crested Grebes and 8 Cormorants.
Cockersands/ Plover Scar :
1 Peregrine, 2 Meadow Pipits, 2 Eiders, 130 Curlews (On nearby pasture) and 1 Turnstone.
Jeremy Lane area: 16 Whooper Swans, 100 Curlews, 8 Black-tailed Godwits and 1 Snipe.
Several large skeins of Pink-footed Geese flew over heading South.
John Williams said
Wed Sep 28 6:58 PM, 2022
11.00-15.30 (High Tide 13.30)
Conder Green Pool : 2 Kingfishers, 3 Greenshanks, 11 Little Grebes, 1 Avocet and 2 Little Egrets.
River Conder (Low Tide): 2 Ruff, 2 Snipe, 1 Greenshank, 4 Black-Tailed Godwits, 3 Curlews, 2 Grey Herons and 7 Little Egrets.
Lune Estuary at Glasson : 1 Greenshank and 4 Curlews in addition to the usual Redshanks, Lapwings etc.
1 Peregrine and 2 Buzzards seen soaring high over the Lune.
A small group of Lapwings attempted to climb above Peregrine but eventually gave up and made a careful exit instead.
Cockersands/Plover Scar (High Tide): 4 Grey Plovers, 1 Knot plus numerous Turnstones, Dunlin and Ring Plovers.
A few Sanderlings were also seen amongst the other small waders.
4 Golden Plovers and 33 Curlews were amongst Lapwings that were avoiding being trampled by cattle on pasture near the abbey.
A single Kestrel endured the wrath of a pair of crows above the same pasture.
A skein of 50 Pink-Footed Geese were seen heading North.
Oddly no Eiders, or for that matter any other waterfowl, were seen on the sea at Cockersands throughout high tide.
John Williams said
Tue Aug 30 7:04 PM, 2022
11.00-15.00
Conder Green Pool : 6 Little Grebes, 13 Greenshanks and 4 Little Grebes. Also a couple of House Sparrows.
River Conder (Low Tide) : 1 Avocet, 3 Black tailed Godwits, 1 Dunlin and 12 Little Egrets.
River Lune (Viewed from Glasson) : 28 Little Egrets but oddly just 1 Curlew.
Cockersands/Plover Scar : 7 Golden Plovers, 1f Sparrowhawk, 1 Eider, 2 Wheatears, 2 Kestrels (M+F) and 17 Curlews.
2 large groups of Swallows were over the sea, 1 flock flew up the Lune, the other headed towards Cockerham.
The Sparrowhawk which appeared to be a young female was seen to paddle in the sea for a while, before flying onto Plover Scar.
Here she took up a position behind a grass covered rock, when a flock of around 30 Ringed Plovers flew directly over her, both the waders
and raptor seemed startled. Waders must have short memories though as moments later they landed close to the hawk, and with a rapid short
jump she grabbed one. The gruesome act of dealing with the plover was thankfully hidden from view, then after she had fed for a while a crow
appeared. She did not take any chances and flew off onto the neighbouring farmland still clutching her meal. I got the impression that she had used
this tactic for catching waders before and perfected it.
Steven Nelson said
Thu Aug 4 8:04 PM, 2022
Conder Green - creek and pool - first visit of the day!
A morning visit to hopefully catch up with the adult Temmincks Stint thats been around for a few days. But no sign despite a number of other birders also looking.
But plenty of other waders including: 3 Greenshank 4 Avocets - 2 adults plus 2 young chicks - very late for these 3-4 Common Sandpipers 3 Ruff Loads of Redshank A few Curlew, Dunlin and Oystercatcher 1 Little Ringed Plover - juv 4 Common Terns - adult plus 3 juveniles
Lune Estuary 5 Eider resting on a sandbank 200+ Curlew feeding in one field along Moss Lane
Conder Green - second visit of the day! Quick 10 min stop-off to have another check for the Temmincks Stint before moving onto Foulshaw Moss (separate thread) - still no sign!
Conder Green - third visit of the day! Whilst at Foulshaw Moss word came though that the Temmincks Stint had been re-found. So on my way home I decided to call in again and the Stint was showing really well in the creek giving prolonged, good scope views. Certainly my best ever view of this species.
John Williams said
Wed Jul 27 8:47 PM, 2022
11.30-15.30
Conder Green Pool : 6 Greenshanks, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Avocets (Inc. 1 juvenile with twin yellow leg rings,
1 marked "7F"), 6 Little Grebes, 6 Little Egrets and 9 Common Terns (Inc. 2 juveniles, adults seen bringing in small fish).
4 Dunlin were amongst the numerous Redshanks on the river mud banks as the tide started to recede.
River Lune viewed from the bowling green in Glasson :Oddly just a single Curlew, Lapwing and Redshank arrived
en-masse as the tide ebbed.
Cockersands offshore/Plover Scar : 1 Osprey (Initially seen on a patch of dry sand/gravel on Sunderland Point side of the estuary,
the bird was eagerly tearing something apart. When a couple of black backed gulls started to mob the Osprey, it took flight towards
Heysham power station carrying what appeared to be the remains of a flatfish in it's talons. The raptor then circled back towards the
Lune opposite Glasson Marsh, by which time a single tormenting Oystercatcher had taken over from the gulls. I eventually lost sight
of the bird as it disappeared over the Lune opposite Glasson port, by which time it appeared to have dropped the remains of the fish.)
Also seen around Plover Scar were 1 Whimbrel, 11 Eiders, 10 Curlews and a couple of Meadow Pipits.
John Williams said
Wed Feb 2 8:25 PM, 2022
11.00-15.30
Conder Green Pool : 1m+1f Goosanders, 1m Goldeneye, 1 Little Egret and 18 Black tailed Godwits.
A large high tide gathering of Redshanks, Curlew and Oystercatchers.
2 Little Grebes were with Teal on the adjacent river at high tide.
A skein of 65 Pink footed Geese circled above the pool but decided not land.
River Lune viewed from the bowling green in Glasson : 2m+1f Goldeneyes amongst large numbers of Wigeon at high tide.
Glasson Marina pool : 2f Goosanders and 13 Goldeneyes (12m+1f).
Crook Cott Cockersands : A family group of 2 adult + 2 juvenile Bewick's Swans alongside 20+ Whoopers. 1 Sparrowhawk.
Another adult Bewick's was seen amongst a small gathering of Whooper and Mute Swans behind Gardener's Farm.
Cockersands offshore : 1m+1f Pintails amongst large numbers of Wigeon. 63 Eiders.
15 Turnstones were along the shore line, with a further 5 on pasture near the abbey, which were flushed by a passing Kestrel.
73 Pink footed Geese grazed on pasture near the abbey. These pastures also attracted around 100 Curlew and large numbers of Starlings.
A flock of 75 Lapwings flew north over Cockerham Sands.
As I was leaving someone let their dog charge out onto the sandbanks flushing huge numbers of Wigeon, Curlew, Redshanks and Oystercatchers.
John Williams said
Fri Apr 23 4:57 PM, 2021
Morning visit.
Conder Green Pool : 4 Greenshanks, 6 Avocets, 4 Bar tailed Godwits, 160 Black tailed Godwits and 1 Common Sandpiper.
Cockersands/Lune Estuary : 6 Whimbrels, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 55 Eiders, 2 Ravens, 7 Meadow Pipits and 6 Linnets.
4 Lapwing chicks were around a small marshy area near the abbey, with their parents close-by.
One Raven was very vocal whilst resting by the river, however when both of these corvids ventured to close to the Lapwing
family, 7 adult Peewits erupted and chased them away with vigour.
John Williams said
Tue Sep 1 5:57 PM, 2020
10.30-14.30 (High tide 12.00)
Conder Green Pool : 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Little Grebes and a least 4 Sand Martins.
Redshanks, Oystercatchers and Curlews. A flock of 8 Goldfinches was on the sea wall.
Jeff Gorse said
Sun Apr 7 6:03 PM, 2019
Saturday evening stroll along the coastal path. 2 x willow warbler singing from the trees near the Stork. 30 black-tailed godwits and 2 x oystercatcher in the stubbly field past the main car park. 1 x little grebe, several pairs of shelduck and 2 x redshank on the creek at Conder Green
John Williams said
Fri Mar 29 7:42 PM, 2019
12.30-16.30
Conder Green Pool :
2 Swallows, 3 Pink Footed Geese, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Meadow Pipits and 6 Tufted Ducks.
2 Little Grebes were on the River Conder.
Lune Estuary Glasson :
2m+1f Eiders, 2f Goosanders, 8 Black Tailed Godwits and 4 Little Egrets.
Cockersand Abbey area: 184 Whooper Swans, 2 Red Legged Partridges and 1 Buzzard. 12 Eiders were on the Lune Estuary.
Whilst I was there all the Whooper Swans flushed from the pasture behind the caravan site, circled twice then headed off towards Lancaster.
140 returned shortly afterwards and landed on the mudflats.
John Williams said
Thu Mar 21 3:50 PM, 2019
10.00-13.30
Conder Green (River Conder & Pool) : 4 Little Egrets and 11 Black Tailed Godwits.
Cockersands : 200+ Whooper Swans on pasture near the caravan park. 1 skein of 150+ Pink Footed Geese heading North.
2 Red Legged Partidges, 25 Curlew, 1 Turnstone and 1m Kestrel.
22 Eiders were offshore.
John Williams said
Sun Mar 10 10:22 PM, 2019
12.00-15.30
Conder Green (River Conder & Pool) : 1m+1f Red Breasted Mergansers, 1f Goosander, 6 Black Tailed Godwits, 4 Little Egrets, 11 Curlews and 2 Little Grebes.
Glasson Basin : 2f Goosanders and 2f Goldeneyes.
8 Pink Footed Geese were on the salt marsh below Bodie Hill.
Steve Judge said
Wed Mar 6 8:22 PM, 2019
Tuesday, 5th March 2019. 11:00 - 16:30 hrs.
Glasson Dock - south along Lancashire Coastal Path (overlooking River Lune and estuary) - past Cockersand Abbey - past Bank Houses (overlooking Cocker Channel) - Moss Lane - Lower Thurnham - along Lancaster Canal back to Glasson Dock - with quick look out towards Condor Green.
Eider Duck x 36 Golden Plover x 200 plus Little Egret x 7 Turnstone x 10 Redshank x 40 Shelduck x 8 Whooper Swan x 60 Black Swan x 2 Lapwing x 15 Curlew x 25 Wigeon x 40 Linnet x 30 Tree Sparrow x 15 House Sparrow x 20 Tufted Duck x 5 Great Black-Backed Gull x 4 Black-Headed Gull x 200 Buzzard x 2 Kestrel x 1 Cormorant x 3 Collared Dove x 2 Woodpigeon x 15 Mute Swan x 14 Magpie x 3 Blue Tit x 3 Robin x 5 Blackbird x 3 Pied Wagtail x 5 Meadow Pipit x 3 Mallard x 10 Coot x 15
John Williams said
Sun Mar 3 2:36 PM, 2019
10.00-12.00
Conder Green Pool :
1m+1f Red Breasted Merganser, 2f Goosanders, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Little Egret, 10 Tufted Ducks, 1 Snipe and 10 Curlews.
Slack Lane Area :
7 Bewick Swans with 3 Whooper Swans.
50+ Whooper Swans mixed with Mute Swans were scattered amongst several flocks on meadows along Moss Lane and Jeremy Lane.
2 Pink Footed Geese were amongst the swans alongside Jeremy Lane.
John Williams said
Sat Sep 22 6:00 PM, 2018
10.30-13.30
Conder Green Pool : 9 Greenshanks, 13 Little Grebes, 6 Curlew and 2 Little Egrets.
Lune Estuary, Glasson 6 Swallows and 3 House Martins heading East, 1 Kestrel and 10 Little Egrets.
3 skeins of Pink Footed Geese flew over heading South, 14+20+83.
An impressive group of 18 Mute Swans were on the salt marsh at Conder Green.
A brief look at the estuary at Cockersands revealed a flock of 35 Wigeon amongst the usual waders.
John Williams said
Wed Aug 30 8:16 PM, 2017
12.00-16.00
Conder Green Pool : 1 Little Grebe and 5 Lapwings. 10 Redshanks were in the tidal creeks opposite the pool.
The Lune Estuary at Glasson :
Large numbers of Lapwings and Redshanks on the sandbanks, also there but less numerous were Curlew, Oystercatchers, Dunlin and Little Egrets.
Amongst the Lapwings were 88 Golden Plovers. Also here were 3 Greenshanks.
A couple of Wheatears and 10 Collared Doves were along the seawall.
John Williams said
Sat Dec 17 5:47 PM, 2016
10.00-15.00
Conder Pool
15 Curlew, 30 Wigeon and 1 Little Grebe.
Lune Estuary (Glasson Dock to Conder Green) During High Tide
1f Merlin, 3 Little Egrets, 18 Snipe, 12 Curlew (30 more Curlew on farmland at Conder Green) plus lots of Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Redshank and Lapwings.
The hawthornes that line the old railway from Glasson to Conder Green held lots of Redwings and Blackbirds, together with a flock of 10 House Sparrows, 6 Fieldfares
plus Chaffinches, Greenfinches and the occasional Reed Bunting. There are still plenty of berries left though. Two of the House Sparrows, females were very pale, almost albino.
On the marsh below the hillside viewing area at Glasson were many more Lapwings, Wigeon etc, and with them 35 Golden Plovers, 1 Shoveler plus numerous Shelduck and Dunlin.
6m+2f Goldeneye were on the marina pool.
John Williams said
Tue Aug 25 2:23 PM, 2015
The Lesser Yellowlegs was in a tidal creek opposite the lay-by at Conder Green, showing well, and feeding amongst the Redshanks.
Curlew, Lapwings, Starlings and an Oystercatcher were also there.
No sign of the Spoonbill on the estuary, viewed from behind the bowling green at Glasson.
Chris Greene said
Mon Aug 24 12:49 PM, 2015
Lesser Yellowlegs still showing well at Conder Green.
Cheers Chris
Mark Jarrett said
Tue Aug 11 4:23 PM, 2015
Went up to Conder Green and Glasson Dock today arriving at 12.30 - looked at Conder Pool, River Conder area and finally the front at Glasson Dock overlooking the estuary. Thanks to local birder Pete Woodruff for advising the best observation spot for giving views of the Spoonbill - well at least at that time anyway.
The Spoonbill has been favouring the area at the mouth of the River Conder. With the high tide time today, at lunchtime it would not have been visible by walking along the coastal path north of Conder Green. So it was off to Glasson Dock and the little promenade behind the bowling green. Just a case of scoping each egret type bird until it was located, which it was, despite it being very distant and across the bay. It was present until around 2pm when it flew towards Glasson Dock and on out of view. I had gone back for a second look but missed it. Amongst others :-
Spoonbill (1) Greenshank (2) Green Sandpiper (1) Common Sandpiper (1) Ruff (1) Oystercatcher Redshank Lapwing Little Egret (c.15) Shelduck
-- Edited by Mark Jarrett on Tuesday 11th of August 2015 04:25:30 PM
-- Edited by Mark Jarrett on Tuesday 11th of August 2015 06:42:29 PM
Rob Creek said
Sun Aug 9 1:47 AM, 2015
Hope I've got the right thread for Conder Green / Lune Estuary without starting a new one, Glasson is fairly close by.
A late trip up this evening after Preston for a possible sighting of the reported Spoonbill at Glasson and Conder Green. Light was against us so a short walk along the footpath at Conder Green looking out towards the estuary. Unfortunately no sign of the Spoonbill, and it hadn't been seen since 4pm but worth a look whilst up that way.
Of note... - Curlew here and there - 1 Whimbrel - 1 Oystercatcher - 2 Common Sandpiper - Redshank dotted around - few Lapwing - Mute Swans - few Sand Martin - few Common Swift - few Swallow - adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls - 1 Great Black-backed Gull - few Black-headed Gulls - 1 Common Buzzard
A great place with some good species seen in a short time, and I reckon would probably be even better had we gone at a better time.
Sean Sweeney said
Mon May 5 7:57 PM, 2014
Didn't spend much time in area today, as visited Leighton Moss with family (see separate blog), but still plenty of the usuals knocking about.
30+ Black-tailed Godwits on the Conder with 20+ still on the freshwater pools, with a few Curlew, a Common Sand and lots of Redshank in the morning on Conder. Had a few Swifts fly through when stopped in the morning and a lazy Buzzard, also Sand Martins and a few House Martins knocking about.
On return in mid afternoon, had a Whimbrel fly overhead, which was lovely to see. A similar assemblage of birds around area from car in the afternoon, with a Little Egret passing overhead and more swifts aplenty. No evening stroll tonight, enjoying a glass of red with the kids in bed instead?!
Sean Sweeney said
Sun May 4 9:51 PM, 2014
Up here again for another long weekend. Always a pleasure!?
The Spotted Redshank have moved on since a fortnight back, but a lone Greenshank was knocking about on the Conder and the freshwater pool on Friday night/Saturday morning. Had a Common Sandpiper on the pools this morning and pair of Gadwall too with the usual pair of Teal, two Male Wigeon and 8 Tufted Ducks. First swift of the year flew through overhead on Saturday afternoon too.
Locally, Lesser Whitethroat on the cycle path into Glasson, Whinchat and Redstart very early morning around Conder Green (must have fallen in night with rain), plus Sedge Warblers and plenty of other local birds (Reed Bunts singing etc). However, bonus of the day was on taking a trip out to Galgate for the newspapers, then on way back finding a lone Glossy Ibis on the Conder itself, with Black-tailed Godwits. I was only going to take my son to see the local goat when I noticed it on the waters edge, cracking. I put it on the local grape vine, but unfortunately it was attacked by a Shelduck about 40 minutes after I first located it and it flew off south seemingly landing the other side of the Mill Hotel somewhere. Got a record shot, which is now on Birdguides, so nice to have found a bird of local interest after visiting for a number of years
Other than that I had an evening stroll this evening and found the Whinchat again, cracking male knocking about the reeds near Conder Bridge, must have been going in to roost for the night. Also a couple of Grasshopper Warblers reeling away!?
Always a cracking place to visit during any season, but particularly in spring when you never know what will turn up!? Hopefully something of interest tomorrow too....
Sean Sweeney said
Sun May 4 9:40 PM, 2014
Was up here a few weeks back (April 18th to 21st). Took a few walks around Glasson and Conder Green area in general.
Lots of Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff around Glasson, with a Common Sandpiper on the canal. 400 plus Black-tailed Godwit on the Lune Estuary and plenty of Whitethraots in the hedges scattered around. That weekend I had my first Sedge Warbler and House Martin around the same area along the country roads between Glasson and Cockersand Abbey. Tree Sparrows all over the place too and a Whooper Swan among the Mute Swans in the fields. Hare running about chasing and boxing too, always a pleasure.
Pottered over to the Lighthouse on low tide, opposite Sunderland Point, where watched a steady line of Meadow Pipits, Sand Martins, Swallows and a few other passerines flying up the Lune (including some lovely Wheatears). Small flock of Dunlin (30+) and a few Golden Plover alongside the usual Oystercatchers, Curlew and the noisy Eider on that stretch of the Lune too, plus a few Ringed Plover.
Around Conder Green there were two stunning Spotted Redshank all weekend, almost completely into their splendid black plumage!? All the usual candidates around the green too, including Black-tailed Godwit, Shelduck, Common Sandpiper etc. Had a White Wagtail on the banks of the freshwater pools, plus a yellow wagtail flyover. Unfortunately, the winter tides look to have breached the freshwater pools on a number of occasions and you can visibly see a difference to the plant life on the pool edges and no doubt that has affected the ecology of the water too. It is definitely quieter on the freshwater pools than any other year I've known up here (been coming here for 7-8 years now, staying locally off Conder Green). Still a few male Wigeon knocking about though, but then the grass is the same in the fields with the usual two cows munching away!?
-- Edited by Sean Sweeney on Sunday 4th of May 2014 10:40:39 PM
Alan Turner said
Mon Jun 25 3:55 AM, 2012
Condor Green / Glasson Spotted Redshank - believed to be first summer bird. Also c.30 Redshanks, several Oystercatchers, 1 Curlew and c. 20 Mute Swans
Pete Welch said
Mon Apr 2 9:42 PM, 2012
Conder Pool - on the road to Glasson. First visit this evening after the reports of Water Pipits and what a fantastic spot - and a quick trip from the M6 - 10 minutes from J33. Highlights:
4 Spotted Redshank [between the pool and the channel] 2 Little Ringed Plovers 3 or 4 Water Pipits - [now I know what they look like I must apologise to Ian for all those photos of Meadows I tried to turn into Waters over the past three years - sorry Ian ] 1 Hare 1 Common Sandpiper [my first this year] 1 Godwit - distant but I'd say Bar Tailed
-- Edited by Pete Welch on Monday 2nd of April 2012 09:43:05 PM
John Carter said
Thu Mar 22 11:49 PM, 2012
An excellent walk today in superb spring weather from Glasson to Crook Farm, then along the coast to Bank Houses and back. Main sightings were:
A huge flock of Knots putting on a breathtaking aerial display 2 Red-Breasted Mergansers Several Common Eiders Little Egret Dunlin Redshank Oystercatchers Shelduck Goosander Cormorant Curlews Wigeon Northern Wheatear
Pete Welch said
Mon Feb 20 5:16 AM, 2012
Little Owl this evening on the road to Glasson Dock was worth a detour from the M6!
simonthew said
Sun Aug 21 10:58 PM, 2011
had a great week up at glasson dock, plenty of curlew swans comerant 3x godwit oystercatcher and several i havent got a clue what they are. and a surprise barn owl. what a great week
simonthew said
Wed Aug 10 8:14 PM, 2011
off to my dads caravan for a week at the marine caravan park at glasson dock . armed with scope and camera. lets hope the weather gets better
Ian McKerchar said
Wed Mar 2 9:32 PM, 2011
Originally posted by Simon Thew today:
had a day up at glasson dock helping my dad check over his caravan ready for the season. had an hour on the estery 10+ curlew 1 heron 20+ comerant 1 godwit 50+ shelduck 20+ oyster catcher 20+ mute swan plover plenty of gulls
well worth a visit
Sean Sweeney said
Sat Apr 24 10:02 PM, 2010
Popped in to Conder Green this morning before work at Heysham, then on return in evening for high tide roost after a lovely meal in The Stork pub for a bit of venison. Lots of Oystercatcher, Shelduck, Redshank and Lapwing paired up in the fields and rough grassland in the surrounding countryside, cracking seeing these birds away from the mud!?
Greenshank seen in morning and later in evening too, I think I have now seen Greenshank here in every month of the year .
Birds Included:
Shelduck 20+ Wigeon 1 (male) Tufted Duck 4 Common Sandpiper 4 Redshank 20+ Greenshank 1 Curlew 1 Whimbrel 1 Swallow 30+ House Martin 12+
Always a lovely spot to drop in to and great food too!?
Sean Sweeney said
Sat Mar 14 7:41 PM, 2009
Visiting folk in Glasson Dock today during high tide. There is an excellent pool where lots of waders gather with the usual Black-tailed Godwits, Oystercatchers, Goldeneye, Little Grebe etc, but this is a great place for "Shanks". All three there: Spotted, Green and Common on the pool at high tide. Once tide had gone down a little the 2 Greenshanks and a Spotted were feeding on the nearby muddy river banks together with Common Redshank, all three in the scope at the same time only 30m from the road.
Enjoyed eating my fish and chips in my car listening to the match whilst watching the Shanks!!
Also had a Common Sandpiper join the party, spring is certainly in the air.
2 Whimbrel on the shoreline. 10 Eiders (6m+4) offshore.
Conder Green Pool : 2 adult Mediterranean Gulls, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Swallows, 2 Knot,
3 Bar-Tailed Godwits (Amongst a flock of around 100 Black-Tails), 1 Peregrine and 2 Avocets.
River Lune Glasson:Just 1 Curlew was noted on the mud banks alongside the numerus Redshanks.
A pair of adult Great Black-Backed Gulls were seen pair bonding by the river.
Marina Basin:2 House Martins were amongst a flock of around 30 Swallows and Sand Martins swooping
low across the water during a period of light rain.
A solitary Song Thrush sang from a bush near the dock.
Jeremy Lane area : All the Whooper Swans and winter geese have now left, however a gathering of 33 Mute Swans
on pasture alongside the lane was a noteworthy sight, given that this species has been hammered by bird flu recently.
Cockersands/Lune Estuary : A linear flock of 140 Golden Plovers flying towards Cockerham Marsh. 4 Little Egrets,
50 Eiders, 1 Grey Heron, 2 Swallows and 2 Red-Legged Partridges. Also a pair of Great Crested Grebes displaying together
on the river near the lighthouse.
Conder Green Pool: 2 Goosanders, 1 Little Grebe and 1 Little Egret.
Lots of Teal on the adjacent River Condor, also a single Little Grebe but oddly no waders.
River Lune Glasson: 78 Golden Plovers (With Lapwings), 60 Curlews, 4 Great Black Backed Gulls,
5 Little Egrets and 7 Cormorants.
Huge numbers of Lapwings and Wigeon, lots of Redshanks too, together with 40+ Dunlin.
Marina Basin: 1m Pochard, 1m Goldeneye and 18 Tufted Ducks.
Glasson Dock : 3m Goldeneyes.
Saltmarsh viewed from the hill viewpoint :410 Pink Footed Geese (Grazing).
A flock of 60 Linnets on top of nearby trees.
Slack Lane area : 4 Bewick's Swans with a mixed group of Whoopers and Mutes.
A group of 30 grazing Pink Footed Geese. 28 Common Gulls amongst a gathering of Black-Headed.
Cockersands area : 24 Curlews (On pasture near the abbey), 1f Eider (Below the lighthouse)
and a covey of 5 Red-Legged Partridges. A flock of 10 Fieldfares on bushes by the caravan park.
River Lune Glasson : 1 Goosander, 5 Dunlin plus the usual numerous Wigeon and Redshanks.
Glasson Dock : 4 drake Goldeneyes.
Jeremy Lane area :
2 Black-Tailed Godwits plus 3 Dunlin amongst numerous Curlews, Redshanks and Lapwings on surrounding pastures.
Amongst several groups of Mute and Whooper Swans in fields alongside the lane were at least 4 Bewicks, 2 adults
and 2 1st winters.
Cockersands/ Plover Scar : A Black Redstart which had been reported earlier on the derelict buildings at the bottom
of Moss Lane was seen flitting around flotsam on shingle by the "beach" parking area.
1 Grey Plover and a couple of Turnstones were amongst the numerous Redshanks and Oystercatchers seen along the shore.
Conder Green Pool: 70 Teal, 3 Little Grebes and 3 Greenshanks.
River Conder (High Tide) : 2 Avocets, 2 Snipe, 2 Little Egrets and 40+ Teal.
Glasson Marina:
2m Goldeneyes, 1m Goosander, 28 Tufted Ducks, 5 Great Crested Grebes and 8 Cormorants.
Cockersands/ Plover Scar :
1 Peregrine, 2 Meadow Pipits, 2 Eiders, 130 Curlews (On nearby pasture) and 1 Turnstone.
Jeremy Lane area: 16 Whooper Swans, 100 Curlews, 8 Black-tailed Godwits and 1 Snipe.
Several large skeins of Pink-footed Geese flew over heading South.
11.00-15.30 (High Tide 13.30)
Conder Green Pool : 2 Kingfishers, 3 Greenshanks, 11 Little Grebes, 1 Avocet and 2 Little Egrets.
River Conder (Low Tide): 2 Ruff, 2 Snipe, 1 Greenshank, 4 Black-Tailed Godwits, 3 Curlews, 2 Grey Herons and 7 Little Egrets.
Lune Estuary at Glasson : 1 Greenshank and 4 Curlews in addition to the usual Redshanks, Lapwings etc.
1 Peregrine and 2 Buzzards seen soaring high over the Lune.
A small group of Lapwings attempted to climb above Peregrine but eventually gave up and made a careful exit instead.
Cockersands/Plover Scar (High Tide): 4 Grey Plovers, 1 Knot plus numerous Turnstones, Dunlin and Ring Plovers.
A few Sanderlings were also seen amongst the other small waders.
4 Golden Plovers and 33 Curlews were amongst Lapwings that were avoiding being trampled by cattle on pasture near the abbey.
A single Kestrel endured the wrath of a pair of crows above the same pasture.
A skein of 50 Pink-Footed Geese were seen heading North.
Oddly no Eiders, or for that matter any other waterfowl, were seen on the sea at Cockersands throughout high tide.
11.00-15.00
Conder Green Pool : 6 Little Grebes, 13 Greenshanks and 4 Little Grebes. Also a couple of House Sparrows.
River Conder (Low Tide) : 1 Avocet, 3 Black tailed Godwits, 1 Dunlin and 12 Little Egrets.
River Lune (Viewed from Glasson) : 28 Little Egrets but oddly just 1 Curlew.
Cockersands/Plover Scar : 7 Golden Plovers, 1f Sparrowhawk, 1 Eider, 2 Wheatears, 2 Kestrels (M+F) and 17 Curlews.
2 large groups of Swallows were over the sea, 1 flock flew up the Lune, the other headed towards Cockerham.
The Sparrowhawk which appeared to be a young female was seen to paddle in the sea for a while, before flying onto Plover Scar.
Here she took up a position behind a grass covered rock, when a flock of around 30 Ringed Plovers flew directly over her, both the waders
and raptor seemed startled. Waders must have short memories though as moments later they landed close to the hawk, and with a rapid short
jump she grabbed one. The gruesome act of dealing with the plover was thankfully hidden from view, then after she had fed for a while a crow
appeared. She did not take any chances and flew off onto the neighbouring farmland still clutching her meal. I got the impression that she had used
this tactic for catching waders before and perfected it.
A morning visit to hopefully catch up with the adult Temmincks Stint thats been around for a few days. But no sign despite a number of other birders also looking.
But plenty of other waders including:
3 Greenshank
4 Avocets - 2 adults plus 2 young chicks - very late for these
3-4 Common Sandpipers
3 Ruff
Loads of Redshank
A few Curlew, Dunlin and Oystercatcher
1 Little Ringed Plover - juv
4 Common Terns - adult plus 3 juveniles
Lune Estuary
5 Eider resting on a sandbank
200+ Curlew feeding in one field along Moss Lane
Conder Green - second visit of the day!
Quick 10 min stop-off to have another check for the Temmincks Stint before moving onto Foulshaw Moss (separate thread) - still no sign!
Conder Green - third visit of the day!
Whilst at Foulshaw Moss word came though that the Temmincks Stint had been re-found. So on my way home I decided to call in again and the Stint was showing really well in the creek giving prolonged, good scope views. Certainly my best ever view of this species.
Conder Green Pool : 6 Greenshanks, 1 Little Ringed Plover, 4 Avocets (Inc. 1 juvenile with twin yellow leg rings,
1 marked "7F"), 6 Little Grebes, 6 Little Egrets and 9 Common Terns (Inc. 2 juveniles, adults seen bringing in small fish).
4 Dunlin were amongst the numerous Redshanks on the river mud banks as the tide started to recede.
River Lune viewed from the bowling green in Glasson :Oddly just a single Curlew, Lapwing and Redshank arrived
en-masse as the tide ebbed.
Cockersands offshore/Plover Scar : 1 Osprey (Initially seen on a patch of dry sand/gravel on Sunderland Point side of the estuary,
the bird was eagerly tearing something apart. When a couple of black backed gulls started to mob the Osprey, it took flight towards
Heysham power station carrying what appeared to be the remains of a flatfish in it's talons. The raptor then circled back towards the
Lune opposite Glasson Marsh, by which time a single tormenting Oystercatcher had taken over from the gulls. I eventually lost sight
of the bird as it disappeared over the Lune opposite Glasson port, by which time it appeared to have dropped the remains of the fish.)
Also seen around Plover Scar were 1 Whimbrel, 11 Eiders, 10 Curlews and a couple of Meadow Pipits.
Conder Green Pool : 1m+1f Goosanders, 1m Goldeneye, 1 Little Egret and 18 Black tailed Godwits.
A large high tide gathering of Redshanks, Curlew and Oystercatchers.
2 Little Grebes were with Teal on the adjacent river at high tide.
A skein of 65 Pink footed Geese circled above the pool but decided not land.
River Lune viewed from the bowling green in Glasson : 2m+1f Goldeneyes amongst large numbers of Wigeon at high tide.
Glasson Marina pool : 2f Goosanders and 13 Goldeneyes (12m+1f).
Crook Cott Cockersands : A family group of 2 adult + 2 juvenile Bewick's Swans alongside 20+ Whoopers. 1 Sparrowhawk.
Another adult Bewick's was seen amongst a small gathering of Whooper and Mute Swans behind Gardener's Farm.
Cockersands offshore : 1m+1f Pintails amongst large numbers of Wigeon. 63 Eiders.
15 Turnstones were along the shore line, with a further 5 on pasture near the abbey, which were flushed by a passing Kestrel.
73 Pink footed Geese grazed on pasture near the abbey. These pastures also attracted around 100 Curlew and large numbers of Starlings.
A flock of 75 Lapwings flew north over Cockerham Sands.
As I was leaving someone let their dog charge out onto the sandbanks flushing huge numbers of Wigeon, Curlew, Redshanks and Oystercatchers.
Conder Green Pool : 4 Greenshanks, 6 Avocets, 4 Bar tailed Godwits, 160 Black tailed Godwits and 1 Common Sandpiper.
Cockersands/Lune Estuary : 6 Whimbrels, 1 Great Crested Grebe, 55 Eiders, 2 Ravens, 7 Meadow Pipits and 6 Linnets.
4 Lapwing chicks were around a small marshy area near the abbey, with their parents close-by.
One Raven was very vocal whilst resting by the river, however when both of these corvids ventured to close to the Lapwing
family, 7 adult Peewits erupted and chased them away with vigour.
Conder Green Pool : 1 Common Sandpiper, 3 Little Grebes and a least 4 Sand Martins.
Cockerham & sea watch overlooking the Plover Scar HT wader roost :
The highlight occurred as I was ready to leave and the tide was lowering fast. Large numbers of Dunlin, Ringed Plover,
Redshank etc, still remained on the spit, but were suddenly spooked and flushed en-masse. Expecting a Peregrine
or other raptor to be seen making an attack I scanned the sky, but I could only see what appeared to be a large gull overhead.
When the bird gave a quick flap and glide movement it became apparent the bird may though be some kind of raptor.
Buzzard came to mind, but the shape and flight pattern were completely wrong for those. The bird appeared to hover briefly offshore.
Then the bird turned and I got glimpse of the distinctive striped head of an Osprey. The bird was silhouetted by the sun for a while,
but I watched as it flew off towards Pilling and dived into the channel opposite Cockerham Marsh, where I sadly lost sight of it.
Truly memorable. Amongst the waders resting on the headland were 3 Knot and 12 Turnstones.
Offshore an adult Mediterranean Gull, with it's black hood now looking very faded, was amongst a small group of Herring Gulls.
4 Wheatears were along the base of the sea wall, together with a flock of 8 Meadow Pipits. An impressive 100 Linnets were seen
resting together on the corrugated roof of a barn close to the abbey. A flock of 30 Curlew and several large groups of Oystercatchers flew
passed the spit towards Heysham, they may well have been spooked by the Osprey at Cockerham Marsh.
A group of 6 Eiders were offshore throughout.
Nearest thread I could find for this. Moss Lane, near Upper Thurnham:
2 Bewicks Swans in amongst the big Whooper Swan flock.
Conder Green Pool : 17 Little Grebes (Usually harrassed by Black Headed Gulls when they
surfaced with a stickleback in their bill.) and 4 Little Egrets.
A Snipe was feeding alongside Redshanks in a tidal gulley on the River Conder.
Lune estuary viewed from the bowling green in Glasson : 600+ Golden Plovers (On the Overton
side of the river.),
Glasson Marina Basin : 6 Swallows. A Kingfisher was fishing in Glasson Dock.
33 Collared Doves sat on the roof of a grain warehouse.
Cockersands : 5 Wheatears, 1 Bar tailed Godwit, 6 Whooper Swans, 8 Eiders, 1 ad winter Kittiwake,
1 male Kestrel and 8 Swallows. A large flock of Meadow Pipits attracted the attention of the Kestrel
and he appeared to catch and eat one. 2 large charms of Goldfinches were feeding on thistle seeds
alongside the sea wall. Curlews, Redshanks, Oystercatchers, Dunlin, Ringed Plovers, Turnstones
and Wigeon appeared numerous around the estuary.
Conder Green Pool :
9 Little Grebes and 4 Little Egrets.
1 Common Sandpiper on the tidal creek across the road from the pool.
Lune Estuary viewed from behind the former Victoria Inn :
1 Greenshank, 70+ Curlew, 15 Dunlin, 10 Little Egrets plus lots of Redshanks and Lapwings.
Cockersands :
1 Wheatear, 15 Eiders, 2 Knot, 3 Avocets, 7 Pied Wagtails plus numerous Redshanks, Ringed Plovers,
Redshanks, Oystercatchers and Curlews. A flock of 8 Goldfinches was on the sea wall.
Saturday evening stroll along the coastal path. 2 x willow warbler singing from the trees near the Stork. 30 black-tailed godwits and 2 x oystercatcher in the stubbly field past the main car park. 1 x little grebe, several pairs of shelduck and 2 x redshank on the creek at Conder Green
Conder Green Pool :
2 Swallows, 3 Pink Footed Geese, 3 Little Egrets, 2 Meadow Pipits and 6 Tufted Ducks.
2 Little Grebes were on the River Conder.
Lune Estuary Glasson :
2m+1f Eiders, 2f Goosanders, 8 Black Tailed Godwits and 4 Little Egrets.
Cockersand Abbey area: 184 Whooper Swans, 2 Red Legged Partridges and 1 Buzzard. 12 Eiders were on the Lune Estuary.
Whilst I was there all the Whooper Swans flushed from the pasture behind the caravan site, circled twice then headed off towards Lancaster.
140 returned shortly afterwards and landed on the mudflats.
Conder Green (River Conder & Pool) : 4 Little Egrets and 11 Black Tailed Godwits.
Cockersands : 200+ Whooper Swans on pasture near the caravan park. 1 skein of 150+ Pink Footed Geese heading North.
2 Red Legged Partidges, 25 Curlew, 1 Turnstone and 1m Kestrel.
22 Eiders were offshore.
Conder Green (River Conder & Pool) : 1m+1f Red Breasted Mergansers, 1f Goosander, 6 Black Tailed Godwits, 4 Little Egrets, 11 Curlews and 2 Little Grebes.
Glasson Basin : 2f Goosanders and 2f Goldeneyes.
8 Pink Footed Geese were on the salt marsh below Bodie Hill.
Glasson Dock - south along Lancashire Coastal Path (overlooking River Lune and estuary) - past Cockersand Abbey - past Bank Houses (overlooking Cocker Channel) - Moss Lane - Lower Thurnham - along Lancaster Canal back to Glasson Dock - with quick look out towards Condor Green.
Eider Duck x 36
Golden Plover x 200 plus
Little Egret x 7
Turnstone x 10
Redshank x 40
Shelduck x 8
Whooper Swan x 60
Black Swan x 2
Lapwing x 15
Curlew x 25
Wigeon x 40
Linnet x 30
Tree Sparrow x 15
House Sparrow x 20
Tufted Duck x 5
Great Black-Backed Gull x 4
Black-Headed Gull x 200
Buzzard x 2
Kestrel x 1
Cormorant x 3
Collared Dove x 2
Woodpigeon x 15
Mute Swan x 14
Magpie x 3
Blue Tit x 3
Robin x 5
Blackbird x 3
Pied Wagtail x 5
Meadow Pipit x 3
Mallard x 10
Coot x 15
Conder Green Pool :
1m+1f Red Breasted Merganser, 2f Goosanders, 1 adult Mediterranean Gull, 2 Little Grebes, 1 Little Egret, 10 Tufted Ducks, 1 Snipe and 10 Curlews.
Slack Lane Area :
7 Bewick Swans with 3 Whooper Swans.
50+ Whooper Swans mixed with Mute Swans were scattered amongst several flocks on meadows along Moss Lane and Jeremy Lane.
2 Pink Footed Geese were amongst the swans alongside Jeremy Lane.
Conder Green Pool : 9 Greenshanks, 13 Little Grebes, 6 Curlew and 2 Little Egrets.
Lune Estuary, Glasson 6 Swallows and 3 House Martins heading East, 1 Kestrel and 10 Little Egrets.
3 skeins of Pink Footed Geese flew over heading South, 14+20+83.
An impressive group of 18 Mute Swans were on the salt marsh at Conder Green.
A brief look at the estuary at Cockersands revealed a flock of 35 Wigeon amongst the usual waders.
Conder Green Pool : 1 Little Grebe and 5 Lapwings. 10 Redshanks were in the tidal creeks opposite the pool.
The Lune Estuary at Glasson :
Large numbers of Lapwings and Redshanks on the sandbanks, also there but less numerous were Curlew, Oystercatchers, Dunlin and Little Egrets.
Amongst the Lapwings were 88 Golden Plovers. Also here were 3 Greenshanks.
A couple of Wheatears and 10 Collared Doves were along the seawall.
Conder Pool
15 Curlew, 30 Wigeon and 1 Little Grebe.
Lune Estuary (Glasson Dock to Conder Green) During High Tide
1f Merlin, 3 Little Egrets, 18 Snipe, 12 Curlew (30 more Curlew on farmland at Conder Green) plus lots of Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Redshank and Lapwings.
The hawthornes that line the old railway from Glasson to Conder Green held lots of Redwings and Blackbirds, together with a flock of 10 House Sparrows, 6 Fieldfares
plus Chaffinches, Greenfinches and the occasional Reed Bunting. There are still plenty of berries left though. Two of the House Sparrows, females were very pale, almost albino.
On the marsh below the hillside viewing area at Glasson were many more Lapwings, Wigeon etc, and with them 35 Golden Plovers, 1 Shoveler plus numerous Shelduck and Dunlin.
6m+2f Goldeneye were on the marina pool.
Curlew, Lapwings, Starlings and an Oystercatcher were also there.
No sign of the Spoonbill on the estuary, viewed from behind the bowling green at Glasson.
The Spoonbill has been favouring the area at the mouth of the River Conder. With the high tide time today, at lunchtime it would not have been visible by walking along the coastal path north of Conder Green. So it was off to Glasson Dock and the little promenade behind the bowling green. Just a case of scoping each egret type bird until it was located, which it was, despite it being very distant and across the bay. It was present until around 2pm when it flew towards Glasson Dock and on out of view. I had gone back for a second look but missed it. Amongst others :-
Spoonbill (1)
Greenshank (2)
Green Sandpiper (1)
Common Sandpiper (1)
Ruff (1)
Oystercatcher
Redshank
Lapwing
Little Egret (c.15)
Shelduck
-- Edited by Mark Jarrett on Tuesday 11th of August 2015 04:25:30 PM
-- Edited by Mark Jarrett on Tuesday 11th of August 2015 06:42:29 PM
A late trip up this evening after Preston for a possible sighting of the reported Spoonbill at Glasson and Conder Green. Light was against us so a short walk along the footpath at Conder Green looking out towards the estuary. Unfortunately no sign of the Spoonbill, and it hadn't been seen since 4pm but worth a look whilst up that way.
Of note...
- Curlew here and there
- 1 Whimbrel
- 1 Oystercatcher
- 2 Common Sandpiper
- Redshank dotted around
- few Lapwing
- Mute Swans
- few Sand Martin
- few Common Swift
- few Swallow
- adult Lesser Black-backed Gulls
- 1 Great Black-backed Gull
- few Black-headed Gulls
- 1 Common Buzzard
A great place with some good species seen in a short time, and I reckon would probably be even better had we gone at a better time.
30+ Black-tailed Godwits on the Conder with 20+ still on the freshwater pools, with a few Curlew, a Common Sand and lots of Redshank in the morning on Conder. Had a few Swifts fly through when stopped in the morning and a lazy Buzzard, also Sand Martins and a few House Martins knocking about.
On return in mid afternoon, had a Whimbrel fly overhead, which was lovely to see. A similar assemblage of birds around area from car in the afternoon, with a Little Egret passing overhead and more swifts aplenty. No evening stroll tonight, enjoying a glass of red with the kids in bed instead?!
The Spotted Redshank have moved on since a fortnight back, but a lone Greenshank was knocking about on the Conder and the freshwater pool on Friday night/Saturday morning. Had a Common Sandpiper on the pools this morning and pair of Gadwall too with the usual pair of Teal, two Male Wigeon and 8 Tufted Ducks. First swift of the year flew through overhead on Saturday afternoon too.
Locally, Lesser Whitethroat on the cycle path into Glasson, Whinchat and Redstart very early morning around Conder Green (must have fallen in night with rain), plus Sedge Warblers and plenty of other local birds (Reed Bunts singing etc). However, bonus of the day was on taking a trip out to Galgate for the newspapers, then on way back finding a lone Glossy Ibis on the Conder itself, with Black-tailed Godwits. I was only going to take my son to see the local goat when I noticed it on the waters edge, cracking. I put it on the local grape vine, but unfortunately it was attacked by a Shelduck about 40 minutes after I first located it and it flew off south seemingly landing the other side of the Mill Hotel somewhere. Got a record shot, which is now on Birdguides, so nice to have found a bird of local interest after visiting for a number of years
Other than that I had an evening stroll this evening and found the Whinchat again, cracking male knocking about the reeds near Conder Bridge, must have been going in to roost for the night. Also a couple of Grasshopper Warblers reeling away!?
Always a cracking place to visit during any season, but particularly in spring when you never know what will turn up!? Hopefully something of interest tomorrow too....
Lots of Willow Warbler, Blackcap and Chiffchaff around Glasson, with a Common Sandpiper on the canal. 400 plus Black-tailed Godwit on the Lune Estuary and plenty of Whitethraots in the hedges scattered around. That weekend I had my first Sedge Warbler and House Martin around the same area along the country roads between Glasson and Cockersand Abbey. Tree Sparrows all over the place too and a Whooper Swan among the Mute Swans in the fields. Hare running about chasing and boxing too, always a pleasure.
Pottered over to the Lighthouse on low tide, opposite Sunderland Point, where watched a steady line of Meadow Pipits, Sand Martins, Swallows and a few other passerines flying up the Lune (including some lovely Wheatears). Small flock of Dunlin (30+) and a few Golden Plover alongside the usual Oystercatchers, Curlew and the noisy Eider on that stretch of the Lune too, plus a few Ringed Plover.
Around Conder Green there were two stunning Spotted Redshank all weekend, almost completely into their splendid black plumage!? All the usual candidates around the green too, including Black-tailed Godwit, Shelduck, Common Sandpiper etc. Had a White Wagtail on the banks of the freshwater pools, plus a yellow wagtail flyover. Unfortunately, the winter tides look to have breached the freshwater pools on a number of occasions and you can visibly see a difference to the plant life on the pool edges and no doubt that has affected the ecology of the water too. It is definitely quieter on the freshwater pools than any other year I've known up here (been coming here for 7-8 years now, staying locally off Conder Green). Still a few male Wigeon knocking about though, but then the grass is the same in the fields with the usual two cows munching away!?
-- Edited by Sean Sweeney on Sunday 4th of May 2014 10:40:39 PM
Spotted Redshank - believed to be first summer bird. Also c.30 Redshanks, several Oystercatchers, 1 Curlew and c. 20 Mute Swans
4 Spotted Redshank [between the pool and the channel]
2 Little Ringed Plovers
3 or 4 Water Pipits - [now I know what they look like I must apologise to Ian for all those photos of Meadows I tried to turn into Waters over the past three years - sorry Ian
1 Hare
1 Common Sandpiper [my first this year]
1 Godwit - distant but I'd say Bar Tailed
-- Edited by Pete Welch on Monday 2nd of April 2012 09:43:05 PM
A huge flock of Knots putting on a breathtaking aerial display
2 Red-Breasted Mergansers
Several Common Eiders
Little Egret
Dunlin
Redshank
Oystercatchers
Shelduck
Goosander
Cormorant
Curlews
Wigeon
Northern Wheatear
plenty of
curlew
swans
comerant
3x godwit
oystercatcher
and several i havent got a clue what they are. and a surprise barn owl.
what a great week
had a day up at glasson dock helping my dad check over his caravan ready for the season. had an hour on the estery
10+ curlew
1 heron
20+ comerant
1 godwit
50+ shelduck
20+ oyster catcher
20+ mute swan
plover
plenty of gulls
well worth a visit
Greenshank seen in morning and later in evening too, I think I have now seen Greenshank here in every month of the year
Birds Included:
Shelduck 20+
Wigeon 1 (male)
Tufted Duck 4
Common Sandpiper 4
Redshank 20+
Greenshank 1
Curlew 1
Whimbrel 1
Swallow 30+
House Martin 12+
Always a lovely spot to drop in to and great food too!?