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
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Garden Life List: 57 My UK only life list: 257 My Global Life List: 521 Global 2024 year list: 133 My UK 2024 year list: 121 My 2024 Garden List: 26
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
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Garden Life List: 57 My UK only life list: 257 My Global Life List: 521 Global 2024 year list: 133 My UK 2024 year list: 121 My 2024 Garden List: 26
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 .