. . . or as it is better known - the Cardurnoch Peninsula. Yes! - we do occasionally get cut off when 'Spring' tides coincide with storm force winds. However, on this occasion, that was not the case as we were just entering a low water series.
I digress! - we were going to the Post Office in Kirkbride to do some last minute posting and had thought to return via the estuary to check out the location of the Barnacle flock with it's two leucistic birds, and the Snow Goose - all of which we had recently seen passing west along Campfield Marsh. We had also wondered as to the current location of the group of Whoopers which we hadn't seen on the Reserve for quite a while now.
17 12 15 Two leucistic Barnacles flying with flock at Scargavel Point - seen previously.
The visit to the Post Office would have to wait as we bumped into the Whooper flock on Whitrigg Marsh just east of Whitrigg Bridge There were 102 in all with 3 juveniles amongst them. They were peacefully grazing across the marsh and seemed totally unperturbed by the two workers along the river's edge and their large vehicle. After watching and photographing them for a while and our posting done, we returned via Anthorn and the estuary. The flock was still there, although we could see that some movement was occurring: small groups leaving and others arriving. Anyway, we pressed on - investigating the usual spots down below the road near the Anthorn masts, where, mostly at high tide though, Barnacles could be seen. Nothing today, however.
Whoopers on Whitrigg Marsh - record shot.
Adults grazing.
Whooper group with 2 juveniles
Starlings landed amongst flock.
Geese un-phased by nearby workers.
As we approached Cardurnock, a flock of 30 Curlew flew across the road in front of us and landed on the fields to the south. Then, in the fields on the other side of the road, we spotted a 400 strong flock of Lapwings with a few Golden plover amongst them - always a good winter sight!
Lapwings . . .
. . . under the masts amongst sheep.
Curlew flock of 30 near the masts.
Then, progressing on through Cardurnock, we kept our eyes peeled along the long estuary stints, for Barnacles - as we knew from experience that they favoured these wet pastures. Sure enough, about half a mile along we spotted their distinctive black and white marking though a gateway. There seemed to be in the order of 150 of them just appearing over the brow of a hilly field. We had to find a sufficiently large gap in the hawthorn hedge which lined the road, to be able to get a closer view and to photograph them through. One advantage of these hedgerows is that they afford great camouflage to birdwatchers and photographers alike. Sufficient to say the flock showed no sign of being phased by our presence. We did go on to locate one of the leucistic geese associated with these flocks too.
Barnacle flock coming over the brow of the hill - seen through the gate.
Barnacle flock spotted through hawthorn hedge.
Leucistic bird with flock.
Leucistic Barnacle - closeup.
The light was starting to fade by now, but we plugged on along Campfield Marsh and through Bowness to the 'railings,' to check out the incoming tide. Still well out but on the turn, we decided to sit it out. Good move, as when the tide comes in it does so rapidly. As we waited a Little Egret came picking along the shore quite close to us. It was successfully finding plenty of food. As the tide swept in, whole flocks of waders and duck were quickly pushed up onto the shore. They lined the tideline as far as we could see into the distance towards Port Carlisle: Oystercatchers, Dunlin, Knot, Grey Plover, Curlew and Lapwing, Redshank- and on the water's edge, Wigeon - as well as numerous Gulls. It was quite a sight to behold - even in the failing light and drizzle!
Little Egret on wet mud . . .
. . . about to strike.
Oystercatchers and Lapwing.
Redshank on the mudflats.
Redshank and Curlew on the incoming tide.
Gulls, Oystercatchers, Wigeon, Lapwing and Curlew.
View towards Port Carlisle as the tide sweeps in.
In all, a very worthwhile trip!