Newton Marsh – the rest

As per the last post, some more images from Newton Marsh. There were fly-overs by 30 odd Canada Geese and 50 plus Greylags; I believe both the resident flocks of the south Fylde often seen around Fairhaven and along the River Ribble. There were quite a few of the 'smaller birds' including juveniles with flocks of finches (Goldfinch, Chaffinch, Greenfinch) and Sparrows (House and surprisingly Tree) flitting from one place to another, feeding on the grass verges where seed heads had developed. I came across two Whitethroat and managed to catch one with a caterpillar... despatched on one of the concrete fence posts! I made it across the Fylde and on the 'promenade' at Knott End/Preesall came across a Common Blue, something I had specifically gone for, as I managed a few photos last few year. Few and far between though before disappearing – nothing to report 'bird-wise'. (taken 31 July) I've noticed the process I am using is leaving a few of these images a bit 'iffy'... need to review how to upload reasonable decent sharp images. Hmmmnnnn....

Cabin fever... road runners

I have not been out and about for sometime, suffering cabin fever I called in at Newton Marsh but it was very quiet, not unexpected. It was early evening so I decided to run on down to Fairhaven Dunes, just as well I didn't think about it... so many kids and dog walkers. Two male Linnet and four overhead. I've seen a Whitethroat down there regularly in the last few years and I nearly stood on one! Anyway it flew up into a hawthorn bush and posed for me while I rattled off some photos... complete with food for the young. I didn't hang about too long.

Incredibly I didn't know where the north car park is at St Annes by the lifeguard station even though I must have driven past a thousand times, so I thought I'd recce the location for future reference. Now I don't know about you but looking straight out to sea, I would expect to see Ireland, if I could see that far... I mean it is called the Irish Sea, not the Welsh Sea, so what Anglesey is doing in view, I have no idea. Weird!

I called in at Clifton Marsh on the way home. Not much happening, except 14 runners on the road. As I sat and watched they came towards me and I managed a couple of photos, before they heard the shutter sound on the camera and turned tail and ran off in the opposite direction. 12 young Grey Partridge with 2 adults. Again, I've been 'following' Grey Partridge down there for the last thre years or so, clearly 12 young has been a good year, I hope they all make it.

An unexpected surprise was a Corn Bunting that showed up looking a little bedraggled and the worse for wear and sang a song before flying on. About two weeks ago, I caught one nearby washing in a puddle while a mate watched on. I haven't posted that photo yet, wasn't that great!

I was surprised to see two Common Terns, obviously from Preston Docks, 'fishing' over the marsh. It was getting late but grabbed a quick snap as one of them hovered looking for fish.

Whitethroat with spider

Looking out over the IRISH Sea.... Wales, or Anglesey to be more precise... from St Annes!
You can just see the Menai Striaght on the left.. que pasa?

Road Runners

9 juvenile Grey Partridge from 12 plus two adults

Singing Corn Bunting looking  a bit the worse for wear

Corn Bunting

Common Tern 'fishing'

One of those weeks or a Pantomime?

Yes folks it is the middle of June and if you've found the sunshine let me know (or Katrina and the Waves... that's 28 years old I hear! STREWTH!). Not quite there with these photos but interesting perhaps and a bit of a Pantomine...

Juvenile Shelduck

Redshank

Snap... another Redshank

Coot, finally throwing out the kids

Male Shoveler

Hilda Ogden or Oystercatchers

He's behind you...

'Sleepless in Newton', so why not make the most of it... the juvenile Shelduck is just a big kid growing up, the Redshank are being busy in whatever they do, the Coot are getting stroppy again, the Shoveler I Iove because of their fidelity, shyness and the gentle way they go about their own business annoying no-one, the Oystercatchers was nearly 'the three ducks on the wall' and the Whitethroat a gentle reminder... keep your eyes open... sometimes, just like the Pantomome Dame, they are behind you.  (Meg Ryan didn't turn up, but she's a nutter too, we would get on well together... not!... although I have been up the Empire State building... then again, at that time I was Archibald Alexander Leach... film fans will know what I'm on about! Otherwise, don't woryy about it.).

On t'beach

I think we are all going stir crazy now with this weather and all. Enough said?

I managed to jump out between showers to little avail but I did bump into that lovely man Maurice Jones for another quick chat. After a quick call by Newton Marsh which was 'dead' I ended up at Lytham at Fairlawn Road in the hope something interesting might have blown in. I hadn't checked the tide times and the tide was just beginning to ebb. A number of Swallows were coursing the sea wall and tidal debris, picking off sand flies and insects I guess. What surprised me was a number of Swallows landing on the sea wall. Taking a break from proceedings and preparing themselves for their long journey I guess. I say surprising because one expects to see Swallows on overhead wires and cables etc and not too often do you see them landing on the beach and sea walls, but probably nothing out of the ordinary; I have seen them land on tarmacadam roads so no big deal. 
Along with the Swallows were a number of what I think were Pied Wagtails. Alba mozzerella and all that do my head in, so let's just say these juveniles all appeared in varying juvenile plumage. By all means advise. (I know it's a cheese... just a little joke... I need to brush up on my Latin... 'THAT BOY in the corner...' was always me!).
Popped into Fairhaven Dunes and apart from four juvenile Blue Tits, two Long-Tailed Tits there was a Whitethroat. Nothing of interest around the sea wall other then 'Jake the Peg'. Sadly I came across this rabbit with 'mix a ma toes innit'. I know they can be a damn nuisance but to see any animal with a disease, and one introduced by our good selves is 'disappointing'.
Newton Marsh on the way home didn't really produce anything other than a Sparrowhawk flying over eastbound carrying food. And yes it was raining here too! Just about to go and get the bailer... I may be gone for sometime!

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Another trip to the Dentist!

Believe it or not as there were no NHS dentists available in the city where I live I have to travel 20 odd miles to another town... as if it wasn't bad enough... the added bonus means calling in/driving by RSPB Marshside if I can make time.

Down by the golf course this whitethroat was flitting around... with another.

Remember, don't accept 'humbugs' from kind relatives... they play havoc with any filling!

Dan de lion and Goldfinch

Another early visit in poor light.

A male Chaffinch, a pair of Blue tits, two or three Goldfinch, a Whitethroat, a pair of Linnet, a pair of Gadwall, a pair of Shelduck, 27 odd Herring Gulls of various ages, Coot and Moorhen, a Mute Swan on a nest and a Mallard with 11 young. They looked they had only just hatched and she was walking them across the field to the water, so the nest must have been well hidden, and just in time with those marauding gulls about.

One or two Goldfinches were feeding on dandelions in the roadside verge, see photos. You can see the yellow nectar on the crown of the bird. The bright yellow on Goldfinch has always been a wonder, yet when feeding on the ground on dandelion, the perfect camouflage.

Later that day, over at St Annes a Dunnock popped up as I was parking the car at the tax office! The Whitethroat pic is only so you know, I know what one looks like and it was still about on the way home later in the afternoon!

Hghi in the sky, I thought there was a Swift but on closer(!) inspection it wasn't a Swift. A couple of brief snaps at considerable distance, and not big enough for a Peregrine I am leaning towards a probable Hobby. What do you think? (see below)

Swallows of the Sea

Common Terns, but not so 'common'!

Adults, I believe the one with the blue and silver rings, one on each leg is the male, based on his behaviour. The female does not appear to have any leg rings. I'm not too sure about the marks on his head, but think they might be some form of contamination from fishing (oil on the water?) and while he appears to be shouting, looking at the last two photos, I think he's having 40 winks!

click here to see the family 2009 

click here to see them in 2010