Last nights partial solar eclipse
Rare visitors, 6 Goosander
Off high and >NW
Another bright morning at Fly Flatts with full clear skies and sunshine on a cool SE>3 at 4 degrees.
A good start to a new month with a very rare visit from 6 Goosander. This is only the second time I have had them on the water, the last sighting being Feb 2020 with 3 females. Other than that I have had just 3 fly-overs at this site. The birds were all 1cy though one had a much darker head as well as the face pattern, possibly a juv male. They very soon made off high and >NW.
Not a great deal else happened with the usual 4 Oystercatchers, 3 Redshank, Curlews and Lapwings but first Common Sandpiper should be with me in the next couple of weeks.
No Wheatear today but plenty Mipits whilst the only sky movement was 2 Common gull high and >NE. Disappointing to find that the only tree in the compound,( a Willow) , that attracts migrating warblers, has been butchered by the sailing club with very little of it left.
Little gulls starting to move from the west coast, 3 at Manchester Elton reservoir today.
After overnight fog, a bright sunny day tomorrow but a strong easterly, starting off at 3 degrees.
BS