Landscape

Newton Marsh – Wigeon and Godwits

It was in fact a cold frosty morning before the sun rose, then it was just cold. While it may appear there is open water, this was limited and restricted by the ice that had formed and taking a long time to clear. What always surprises me is how various species get along quite happily with each other, to a point, as long as 'my space' isn't violated, yet others simply invoke aggression. Here Teal and Wigeon relax happily together... safety in numbers and always someone on watch... while a small number of Black-Tailed Godwits moved through feeding on whatever they could find.

One reason there are so many images of Wigeon is because if you look carefully there is a male with far more green showing around the eye than others. There have been various discussions about this, but no real answer that I know of to date ... some birds do, some birds don't. Any comments welcome.

Newton Marsh – Wigeon

A more extensive explanation may follow, but bit short of time – suffice to say Wigeon are one of my favourite visitors. Not only in the appearance of both the male and the female, the way they pair together but also  how they interact collectively – terrific. As you can see, a few decided to pop in to Newton Marsh.

Twite and Rock Pipit (?)

Another freezing cold day and on the way over to Knott End I came across the resident Kestrel at Carr House Green Common and Pink Footed Geese were in the air over Pilling Moss going east.

Early doors, as so often, the sun was up under the cloud cover but this sunlight soon disappeared for the day to become overcast, grey and dank... not a day to be out, other than to clear the cobwebs. On the beach there were the customary Gulls, Redshank, Knot, Shelduck while down at the Jetty a number of Eider, five male and 2 female and a small flock of 6 Turnstone. By the building site at the rear of the Bourne Arms a Pied Wagtail and what I am reliably informed is a Rock Pipit... I would appreciate your thoughts. I am no expert on Pipits (nor birds) but the long rear claw on this has me wondering and it doesn't look 'grubby' enough... but what do I know. So don't it as gospel, make your own mind up. Back along the esplanade and with considerable care I managed to get close enough to a small flock of Twite as you can see.


Behind the library I came across a Mistle Thrush, while at Bradshaw Lane nine Red-Legged Partridge and at Eagland Hill a small number of Pink-Footed Geese were in one of the fields, but there was no light, grey and overcast and all I could manage were record shots.

Bullfinch

A quiet day but fortunate to have a garden visitor in the shape of a female bullfinch. They have been visitors at the end of the summer, in fact mum, dad and junior have been calling in to see us, but for a cold February morning, a rewarding sight. Shy birds that don't 'hang about' and are away at the slightest disturbance. The garden is as wildlife friendly as I can go with my limited knowledge and ability and this female popped in to fed on the seeds left on the Honeysuckle. No excuses for the rear view... how often do you see the perfect view of a bird, seeing them from 'obscure' angles can help with identification. I certainly need to learn a great deal more and recognise the 'nuances', like the white rump on this female. I was also quite pleased to see a Starling and a pair of greenfinch.