Morning all: Just tuned in to find breakfast has already been served.
Unknown said: Rachel did you see your Avocets and Spoonbills then???
Rachel did you see your Avocets and Spoonbills then???
Lots of avocets - Teesmouth is the most northerly breeding colony (apart from 2 or 3 pairs at each of Washington WWT and Cresswell in Northumberland), most still on eggs, but a few good-sized chicks already. The spoonbills had wandered off elsewhere (probably back today - they seem to do that...), but I saw four of the Northumberland 'tour group' last weekend, so not too much of a miss.
Also a spotted redshank at Saltholme, which is a first for me - though I have to admit it was so far away that even with the scope, I wouldn't have spotted - let alone identified - it if someone else hadn't pointed it out!
Great stuff Rachel, I didnt think you would see Spoonbills and Avocets that far North. So I am learning all the time....
Yes Red Shanks do blend in with their habitat, I see them up at Gruinard Bay also Green Shanks too, its takes patience to sit and wait for a long time on the birds flying in. but its worth it when you see them, we see Whimbrels too and they are not supposed to be in that area, we go up to G.Bay twice a year and I am not happy until I see them feeding amongst the rocks, I know one time we will go and not see them and I know I will be SOOO disappointed ha ha.... We have a tourer caravan so I can spend hours just sitting with the binocs bird spotting.
EJ's Memorial Balgavies Loch Ospreys 2023
Great photo of the whimbrels, Mary. They are still in the 'probably seen, not positively identified' category for me: I find them very difficult to distinguish from curlews. Avocets and spoonbills (like little egrets) seem to be moving north - this is the first year avocets have bred in Northumberland (one chick visible last weekend and 2 birds still on eggs - Joan has been since, I think).
Meanwhile, up at LG, poor EJ has her head down enduring the rain, both GEMs somehow tucked under her wings for shelter. And it's supposed to be midsummer :(
Many many thanks for all the pics and posts, really enjoyed reading them all and the wonderfull captures. Odin the magnificent has really excelled himself yet again.
Have just looked in and it took me some time to figure out what I was seeing, this large mound in the centre of the nest reminded me of a christmas pudding.
Poor EJ trying to keep her babes warm.
I was in LG on this day in 2008, and it was freezing cold then. Fish was in short supply at that time and EJ was not the contented lady she is now. So it may be wet and cold but all have full tummies. Cheers for Odin. Good night all.
Mary, your whimbrells almost look like fine drawings :) Lovely photo!
(Been struggling with software and a sludgy netbook for hours, nothing much to contribute :'( )
IMAGICAT
Morning Scylla! A very groggy Hazel here - I just woke up on the sofa LOL. I was so keen to catch up on the day here when I got home from work last night I just dived straight onto the computer. After I last posted I only meant to sit in the lounge for half an hour with some dinner and then come back for a while, the next thing, what do you know, it's gone 4 a.m. in the morning!
Thank you (re the pic) :)))
I see Annette has started a new thread Scylla - I don't know how to post a link. Can you find it?
The new Daily Update -- for Tuesday, 21 June -- can be found here:
21 June Daily Update