You may (or may not) have noticed that my blog posts are not as frequent as they have been in the past. The simple reason is school work, as I am now in the final year of my GCSEs, so school work and revision is my main focus at the moment.
However, everyone needs a birding break from work.
The last few weeks at my local patch Winsford Flash have been great and have included scarce species such as Caspian Gull, Sandwich Terns and a Yellow Legged Gull all passing through.
Caspian Gull at Winsford Flash
There have been a few waders too, but I have been missing seeing those big flocks of waders and the variety that you can get in some locations. So I was determined to get to Frodsham Marsh today and enjoy some wader watching. I wasn't bothered about chasing anything new, I just wanted to enjoy the spectacle of big numbers of waders. And I wasn't disappointed.
On the walk to No.6 Tank there were 2 kestrels hunting over the paddocks and several Chiffchaff calling from the hedgerows. The water in the ditch was covered in weed, but you could see trails through it where the Moorhens had half clambered, half swam through it. An arable crop yet to be harvested had attracted a big group of Reed Bunting and there were large flocks of Meadow Pipit flying overhead.
As we got closer to No. 6 tank several large flocks of Canada Geese flew over and large groups of Starlings were feeding in the fields.
No. 6 Tank itself held a feast for your eyes. I counted counted 3 Snipe, 110 Black-tailed Godwit, 3 Little Sint, 1 Golden Plover, 200 Lapwing, 150 Black-headed Gull, 2 Lesser Blacked Backed Gull, 7 Common Gull, 3 Redshank, 28 Ruff, 18 Pintail and 11 Wigeon.
Something (I didn't see what) spooked all the birds and they took to the air in a huge flock, but staying in their unique groups to form layers of different species low over the water. The various duck species stayed closest to the water, whilst the gulls formed a middle layer as the Lapwing danced above the others putting out their alarm calls.
A deserved break from school work indeed Findlay. It looks like a great selection of waders from your visit too
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteyes, that final year focus is super important and we totally understand! All best wishes for a successful study year Findlay...
As to the birds, am glad you told me that was a Caspian gull or I might have taken it for a fledging herring gull - of which I see more than fair share. I was unaware they had begun to appear on our Southern shores. I did 'capture' a sandwich tern in the lens last week on the Isle of Bute - bit late getting away after the summer! I don't see anything like the numbers or variety of seabirds you list here, sadly. It was indeed a perfect break for you. YAM xx
tes a deserved break Finaly but now nose to the grindstone again. Hard work pays off and you have a lot of work ahead of you in your life regaring NATURE. Have a great week ahead.
ReplyDeleteHi Findlay, it looks like you enjoyed your brief break and did some mighty fine birding in that time. I am not good with the difference in the schooling over there, compared to here, but my oldest grandson is 14 and a Freshman in high school..how is that compared to your grade? I hope that you have some nice breaks in the future and continue to let us know how you are doing~
ReplyDeleteHello! Nice serie of birds. The school work are very important and birdwatching is relaxing. Have a nice day and week ahead!
ReplyDeleteHello, the wader watching is fun. Great birds and sightings. I would love to see the Lapwings. Great post. Happy birding.
ReplyDeleteGreat selection of birds. That last shot was really cool.
ReplyDeleteSchoolwork is first, of course! But I am glad you had a break and was able to get these lovely shots!
ReplyDeleteAll work and no play makes Jack (and others) a dull boy! Our Waders are coming back now - I had a decent flock of Red-Necked Stint in the scope a couple of days ago. They are really common here! I suppose that they would be a rarity with you.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne