Saturday 28 March 2015

St Marys meander.

A wander round the core of St Marys on Thursday in something approaching more Springlike weather turned up 37 species. No returning migrants yet, but departures noticed.

Not much in song except the Skylarks and Reed Bunting but breeding behaviour noted in a few species, no Fulmars at Hartley and a single Scandinavian Rock pipit on the north beach.

Few Golden plover now, but Sanderling numbers up from last visit 60 +. It was a day for chinwagging with fellow birders and passing walkers. 5 Grey seals on the Island ran the gauntlet of the public many of whom did not realise they were there.


Scandinavian rock pipit. (littoralis)



Tuesday 17 March 2015

Wheatears ive known and loved.

A trip to St Marys in the hope of some migrants found no new arrivals and a few geese departing. The Skylarks were quite active, but apart fro a pair of amorous Blackbirds little sign of Spring around. Canny chat with fellow birders and toggers not that many people around. Massive Aurora forecast, was nipped in the bud by cloud cover.

Wheatear, bathing.



Pied wheatear, Newbiggin.






Desert wheatear. Holy Island 2005.


Sunday 15 March 2015

Brief wander round Killy Lake today produced, 5 Great-crested grebes, 4 Goosander,
12 Pochard,  9 Goldeneye, 100+ Tufted Duck, Snowdrops, Coltsfoot Daffs were bud only, chilly NE wind.