A bit brass

I had to run over to Knott End again... four whooper swans on Lancaster Road, but a bit too far away for any photo, about 80 Wood Pigeon and small flock of about 200 Starling, the latter two disturbed by a raptor; from the glimpse I had, guessing at a Peregrine. As I progressed a few Pink Footed Geese were in the air so I figured it was worthwhile popping over to Bradshaw Lane, whereupon (record images only) 20+ Tree Sparrows, 12+ Chaffinch, 2 Robins, 2 Magpie, 2 Starlings, 3 Yellowhammers, 2 Stock Doves, 12 Wood Pigeon and 4 Red-Legged Partridge that made me laugh the way they finally 'came in' line astern... but no Pink Footed.  But driving into Knott End I spotted half a dozen geese in the air and tracked a small flock down to a field off Pilling Lane ... and for those viewers who are further afield (and at work), a view of the Lakes across Morecambe Bay. And incredibly while 90% of the UK is paralysed by snow, so far we have had none... but it is darn cold.

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Dead Seal and Cretacean – Squeamish move on

Many of you will know I am a frequent visitor to Knott End and consequently always try to get out 'on the front'. Today was just one of those days when all seemed quiet...

It started off with two Red-Legged Partridge on the esplanade near the beach, clearly trying to avoid being cannon fodder. Even diving into the sea wall rocks looking for cover!

I walked down to Cockers Dyke and there was the Juvenile Cuckoo that had been well reported and covered extensively elsewhere. You will see I couldn't even get close, other than a borwn blodge in the distance. Some good views in the bins nevertheless. Bumped into the lovely Mr M Jones and a few folk I've not met before. A few Golden Plover on the sands, before walkin back. A Norhern Wheatear saw me long before I could get close enough for a decent photo.

About to depart the esplanande and 'that doesn't look like a log' methinks out there on the beach... way out there on the beach. Too intrigued... off I set across the beach heading for the horizon. Getting even closer I could see it wasn't moving but it didn't look like a log or tree trunk, but then again. Furthermore the accompanying gulls suggested something else might be afoot. I was somewhat taken aback as I approached to come across a smaller 'log' about twenty metres before the bigger lump, a dead cetaecean and on to the big lump, a dead common seal. I reported both sightings. Surprising what is out there off the coast.

I have always wanted to have a go at that micro-light thingie, but still saving up... so anyone out there with cheap training flights, let me know! I have noticed they do not appear to be using the beach area quite as much as they used to, so perhaps a quiet ear in your shell-like may have worked.

The images are not much use other than a record of the day. And finally on the way home, a juvenile Pied Wagtail wouldn't get out of the road over on Pilling Moss!

These numpties are lost

Northern Wheatear

Lapwing with Golden Plover (Cockers Dyke)

Golden Plover

Juvenile Cuckoo, Cockers Dyke

Mixed group of gulls

Dead Seal with Guards

Dead cetacean, male!

Our friends in a microlight

GET OFF THE ROAD YOU IDIOT!

Whirleygigs

A quick dash across the fylde

At Carr House Green Common two Grey Herons were in each other's company and a Common Buzzrd was overhead. It flew off towards Mysercough when three army helicopters came flying across low from the east. At St Michaels another three came over, even lower! On the road to Knott End, a Curlew, a Red- Legged Partridge and two Oystercatchers, as you can see! Two hares were galavanting in a field.

While later over at a house in Bispham, a Grey Wagtail turned up. Not great images as usual and these taken through a kitchen window. Nice to see though.