Monday 14 January 2008

New Med behind ferry

Heysham Obs
North harbour wall
Just 11 Twite seen on the journey to and from the end at lunchtime

IOM passenger ferry
Kittiwake - 5 adults following, 4 of which peeled off and flew out and the fifth fed in the turbulence created by the sharp turn after rounding the wooden jetty, then also flew out. It is unusual that the only chance of this species at present is following ferries or in 'gale transit'.

Med Gull - Adult and a 2nd W following the ferry until the turbulence then both quickly 'out' along the main boat channel. The 2nd W was a new bird, large with quite a bit of black on the head and just small amounts of black on the primary tips. The usual 2nd W (see previous pics for the extensive black outer primary shafts) and the Czech-ringed adult were not seen today.

Elsewhere
European White-fronted Goose still at Catshaw Fell from at least mid-morning. Two Purple Sandpiper as yesterday at Morecambe Stone Jetty near high tide. Four Bewick's Swan with 76 Mute Swan Jeremy Lane and three unringed Twite on the fence next to Conder Pool at high tide - c15 Linnet were in the vicinity. Ad Med Gull (female size, with dark on the head limited to very clearly defined masks which did not appear to join over the rear crown) with very muddy rear end in field of similar ilk along Hillam Lane. Hundreds of gulls grilled.