A few hours on the estuary this morning before Sadie’s birthday was really enjoyable.
Hesketh was fairly quiet, but it was great to see the 1st fledged Arctic Tern of the year flying around the pools and then perched up on the fence – smashing looking bird.
A few Yellow Wags flitting about, just a single Spotted Red, Eider, 6 Dunlin and the usuals.
Up to Marshside and Junction Pool was again chocka full with Black-tailed Godwit – at least 1,200 birds this morning.
In amongst the throngs was a stunning Spotted Red, which posed for pictures….
Also in the flock were a number of Knot and a few colour ringed birds.
The Glossy was on Fairclough’s, the Cattle Egret was on the Marine Lake – deja vu!
A very quick go on Ainsdale for high tide was pretty quiet, colour ringed LBB, 1st juv Dunlin and 1st Sandwich Tern chicks the highlights.
Another look at Junction on the way home, but the Spotted Red had retreated and the Godwits were much reduced – not surprising with scopes and camera lenses pressed through the screen…….