Counting mobile groups of birds is never easy but today one species gave everyone here a headache. The question was, just how many black-tailed godwits do we have at Old Moor right now?
Here’s what was seen out there today…
The first count this morning was ‘nineteen’. Then ‘twenty-eight’. By midday this was ‘six’. Then ‘seventeen’ a short while later. By the time we got to 14:45, no one could quite believe the number of these terrific waders on the Scrape.
Even then, an accurate count proved difficult - what with some round the back of islands and others tucked up asleep behind vegetation or underneath overhanging banks.
Eventually, we settled on a figure. A remarkable seventy-two birds counted and preceded by the words ‘at least’ just in case a few more came to light later on. [Edit: eight did!]
Needed the wide lens, so here’s 15 to get you started
Elsewhere on the reserve, it was great to see lapwing chicks picking around the Field Pool.
And there were plenty of other birds about today including a lesser whitethroat on Green Lane; a peregrine on the Reedbed pylon; two common sandpiper on Wath Ings; an avocet on the Scrape; a yellow-legged gull briefly the Mere; and tens of swift overhead.
But it was those godwits that understandably stole the show.
Add two more. Black-tailed godwits from Ian Morris. Thanks Ian
All the way from Iceland, the godwits may not stay with us in such numbers for very long but some will, and clearly the Wader Scrape is providing a much-needed rest stop. Also be aware that in the flock are three (or so) much paler birds. Godwits are a long lived species and those paler birds are younger, non-breeding adults.
How many will be there tomorrow is anybody’s guess but definitely worth a look. Or even better, get counting.
Until next time
... STOP PRESS - You won't believe this, but the total has now reached 80! ... Blimey.