The Right Wind Direction, But the Wrong Strength!

You would be forgiven for thinking that I constantly complain about the weather never being right, and I suppose I would have to accept that you would be justified in this! This morning at Rossall Point the wind was westerly (perfect) but only about force 2-3 (not perfect). In fact I thought that it would probably have just about been light enough to go ringing. Anyway I was at Rossall and had to make the most of it.

The tide was at a lower state when I arrived and there were a few waders about including 143 Oystercatchers, 9 Curlews and 12 Sanderlings. Seabird passage was very light both in terms of species and numbers and I found myself counting and looking through the Herring Gulls on the beach! What was happening to me?! Anyway there were 316 Herring Gulls and amongst them were 5 Black-heads, 7 Lessers and a Common Gull.

Bobbing up and down just beyond the surf was a single Atlantic Grey Seal and seabirds? well, I had 4 Gannets, 22 Common Scoters and 2 Sandwich Terns. Walking back to the car through the dunes I had 2 Stonechats and a single Whitethroat.

I then called at Fleetwood Marsh Nature Park and as it was quite early it was locked up, which was great because I have a key to gain access for ringing. So I could drive and lock the gate behind me and have the place to myself. I had a look on the 'tyre' pool and had 2 fully grown Fox cubs playing with each other. I watched them for about 10 minutes before they disappeared into the reeds. The pictures below are awful quality, but it gives you an idea of what I saw.

I daren't show you any more pictures ! The break down of species and numbers on and around the pools was very similar to yesterday and included 10 Goldfinch, Song Thrush, 5 Lapwings, 47 Coots, 4 Little Grebes, 30 Mallards, 7 Tufted Ducks and 3 Skylarks.