Tuesday 15 April 2008

High-flying Red-throats

Heysham Obs
North harbour wall 0930-1015
Red-throated Diver - 4+1+1+1 in - all very high (x3 the height of Black Coombe)and a sharp reminder than 'half horizon telescoping' during the spring seabird passage is likely to miss high-flyers
Purple Sandpiper TWO on the wooden jetty, one in summer plumage, the other still in winter plumage (for what it is worth with this species!)
Lots of immature large gulls around
Two Linnet one the remains of the nyger seed

No perceptible passerine vis this morning but not on site until 0930 c/f small numbers of Meadow Pipit over High Tatham in flat calm conditions 0800-0830 - F3WNW wind at Heysham at 0930.

Heliport/seawall
Still c2,000 Knot

Outfalls/Red Nab
Very quick visit saw 71 Common Gull, including 13 adult

Elsewhere
Osprey Leighton Moss late afternoon. Osprey Whitray Fell area yesterday pm. Chough on Carnforth slag tips - landed briefly near stock car track mid-morning.