What a surprise we got this morning, as we journeyed along the saltmarsh road towards Bowness-on -Solway at 10.45am. An adult white phase Snow Goose was grazing amongst a flock of some 500 Barnacles just east of the Viaduct - towards the edge of the saltmarsh. It stood out from the Barnacles, even at that distance, due to it very white plumage and much larger size. Unfortunately, having an appointment in Kirkbride, prevented us from dallying to get the most advantage from this unexpected sighting.
However, returning to the scene equipped with camera etc. at 1.30 pm, we were pleased to find it virtually in the same place. Plenty of traffic travels along this coast road but the birds were not unduly phased by it. The exception being when a large vehicle with flashing lights passed by. This unnerved them and whole flock took to the air. All was not lost, though, as they landed back nearby and continued peacefully grazing.
Snow Goose with Barnacle flock east of Viaduct.
Both species together showing comparative sizes.
Heads up at flashing vehicle lights.
Flock takes to the air.
Snow Goose showing black primaries.
Having landed, the flock quickly start grazing again.
We did notice though that instead of gently grazing the grassy sward - as do the Barnacles - it did seem to dig into the grass roots and vigorously yank out tufts. It proved to be a fascinating bird to watch. However it seemed to be a bird that liked its own space which it aggressively pursued.
By now a number of other birdwatchers, who had been estuary watching around high tide, had gathered to view this bird. Nick Franklin and Peter Wilson both reported that there was also an Avocet amongst the Oystercatcher flock on the west side of the Viaduct. By the time we returned, these small flocks had followed the tide out and were only a suggestion in the haze on the mudflats.
Ah well - we were not exactly dissatisfied with our day's viewing! Early morning there had been several Little Egrets moving back and forth along the marsh front. Small groups of Barnacles had also been flighting back and forth along the saltmarsh around high tide - eventually settling in groups west of the Viaduct. So there had been a great deal of activity to keep us occupied.
Little Egret flying along the marsh edge at hide tide.
Barnacles dropping in west of the Viaduct later . . .
. . . and spreading out west along the marsh here.