3 Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Redshank, 2 Curlew, 2 Common Sandpiper and a single Ringed Plover over north.
Whitethroat still below Ashworth View along with 2 Willow Warbler. Blackcap singing at Two Owls and a Grasshopper Warbler in SW corner.
Wheatear and a Grey Wagtail by the overflow.
Cuckoo calling over at Wham ( Lancs)
Reasonable number of large gulls ( mainly Lesser Black-backed ) passing through heading west, one of which was colour ringed (N:R55) from a local project.
Later in the day Sand Martin (dozen or so) , Swift (2) and Swallow (4+) had appeared and were hugging the water surface looking for food in windy conditions. Another small party of swallow (3) found the dam bank (E facing) to their liking probably due to it being in the lee of the Westerly wind
The single Redshank was still there on the North shore. Noticeable how vibrant its red legs looked
A single Kestrel hunting over the N. shore
Canada Geese goslings up to 7 in 2 parties
Skylark, Reed Bunting and Meadow Pipit still singing and displaying
__________________
Garden Life List: 57 My UK only life list: 255 My Global Life List: 521 Global 2024 year list: 110 My UK 2024 year list: 99 My 2024 Garden List: 23
First thing this morning .
10 Ringed Plover, 2 Sanderling, 2 Common Sandpiper, Redshank, 4 Curlew, 2 Dunlin. and a single Golden Plover which flew over high heading west .
A late afternoon wander around with a few people dotted around the reservoir side. Highlights
Pair of Canada Geese with 3 goslings 2 Oystercatcher on the N shore where the mud is just starting to become exposed Handful of Sand Martin 2 Swallow 5 x Lesser black-backed gull Reed Bunting Displaying Meadow Pipit and Skylark
__________________
Garden Life List: 57 My UK only life list: 255 My Global Life List: 521 Global 2024 year list: 110 My UK 2024 year list: 99 My 2024 Garden List: 23
I thought I had a Whimbrel too yesterday, but didnt post it in case it was a Curlew. However I am pretty sure it was a Whimbrel now - on the north bank of the reservoir
A Whitethroat has been present on the north side close to Ashworth View House for over a week now and still here this morning singing away. Only the 2nd I have seen here.
A Robin has also been in the garden here for several weeks and a Blackbird was also here singing this morning. ( both seldom seen at the res)
3 Oystercatcher were on the south shore spit first thing.. all departing west at 0800. 3 Common Sandpiper also seen primarily along the north shore.
The Snipe is still present singing each morning close to the windtower by Yates and a Blackcap was also singing in the solitary tree below Ashworth View.
Both pairs of Stonechat are still present as are 2 pairs of Grey Wagtails at opposite ends of the res.
Plenty of Swifts and Sand Martins along the south side wall with just a couple of Swallows.
Walk along southern embankment of res sun 22/3 from 14:00-16:45 lovely spring sunshine with cold NE breeze and more people taking advantage of nature and social distancing possible over 50 during visit!
Highlights
2 moorland highwaymen (Wheaters) in pig field across from house to the east of res
MF Goldeneye flew in and stayed. A while
Stonechat pair in territory on southern boundary wall by circular run off and another M further along wall
Great Black-backed Gull numbers have been increasing in recent weeks but tonight was exceptional . Minimum of 420 present when Ieaving at last light and still.arriving from the south . By far the most I've seen here, or anywhere for that matter .. impressive .
Decent Gull roost yesterday evening with c1300 Black-headed, 20 Common, 45 Herring and 127 Great Black-backed. Only 17 Goosander, but I didnt stay until dark so more may have come in. Also 2 Pintail, 3 Goldeneye and 1 Kestrel.
0800/1000 hrs, misty, 8 degrees felt like 2, cold Westerly.
Female Merlin was sheltering from the wind on the sheep pen NW corner of reservoir, unfortunately I disturbed it and it flew over the wall and down to Deeply Vale.
5 Goosander and 80 Lapwing this morning. Great Black-backed Gull numbers built up while I was there with 20 when I left. 38 Fieldfare south of the reservoir.
Pied Wagtail x 3 (S and W banks of res) Grey Wagtail (feeding on S bank of res; first time I've seen one on S bank; more normally in NW corner near to overflow ) Goosander x 6 (2m, 4f) c 60-70 gulls a mix of Lesser Black Backed, Herring and Black headed gulls Stonechat x 2 (1m 1f) Reed Bunting x 3
__________________
Garden Life List: 57 My UK only life list: 255 My Global Life List: 521 Global 2024 year list: 110 My UK 2024 year list: 99 My 2024 Garden List: 23
Green Woodpecker again tonight seen flying into the small copse at Two Owls Cottage and a superb view of an adult male Merlin flying directly over my head below Ashworth View .