Evenin' all

It's been a lively week here at Strathbeg with the years first sightings of a Crane on friday evening (acompanied by a frantic answer phone message from Vicky) and again today from tower pool hide. Much of my weekend has since been invested in catching a glimpse for myself without much success although a goodly number of dabblers such as Teal (over 40) and Pintail (up to 8) have been making a show of themselves.

Folks attending the weekends craft fair has a glorious sunny view  from the Visitor Centre of 40+ Wigeon and over 60 Teal on the pools. These were joined by around 20 Curlew, 10 Oystercatcher, 6 Pintail, 4 Shovellers, 2 Coot, a Red Breasted Merganser, a redshank, a Ruff and a single Sparrowhawk representing the raptors for the week. Small numbers of Lapwing (usually 2 or so) have been seen around as well so attention is on them with fingers tentatively crossed for some signs of breeding behaviour now spring seems to be here.

Round the way at Fen Hide there were reports on the 2nd and 4th April of a Scaup, possibly the same bird seen a couple of weeks ago. There were also a couple of sightings of a Little Grebe and a Great Crested Grebe before that so Fen Hide remains a great spot for some of the most interesting species. Mustn't forget our ducks and small flocks of 20 or so Pochard, Tufted Duck and Golden Eye have been regularly reported here. Our Bittern have been keeping a low profile this week with no reported sightings and 90 minutes of my Saturday being spent staring forlornly at the reedbeds to no avail. Bay Hide has seen some action this week with the Great Crested Grebe reported on the 3rd April. Regular reports of Red Breasted Merganser keep coming in and I saw a group of 6 in from of the large island on Saturday. A small group of Shelduck (4 or 5) and 2 Pintail can reliably be seen from Bay Hide at the moment also.

  (Photo by Keith Bruce. A Crane. Not the current one.)

This blog was brought to you by the Loch of Strathbeg.

Iain 

ETA- late news yesterday afternoon of the first Bar-tailed Godwit of the year on the low ground too.