juv Wheatear.
1500 hrs at Fly Flatts in this horrid hot stuff but a nice cooling breeze from the west made things more workable.
A bad start to the watch when I came across a dead juv Wheatear by the outlet. The bird had no predator markings on it and looked as if it had flown into the wire fence possibly getting away from a predator as a second juv Wheatear was further along the banking partially plucked and eaten.
The probable culprits were at the north end of the banking with 2 Kestrels hanging around on the fence posts and down in the grass on the banking side. All Wheatears had cleared from that area with just 3 juvs back up at the south end.
The Kestrels seemed reluctant to leave the area even as I walked on at fairly close range. They tended to just fly a few yards and stop ,then return to the same spot when I was past which is unlike Kestrels which are usually up and away. I wondered if they had some prey near and did,nt want to leave it.
Two Oystercatchers were across on the east shore whilst the remaining 3 Common Sandpipers were in the se corner. A Dunlin called from under the edge of the south banking as I approached but flew before I could get the camera on it.
Meadow Pipits numbers are on the increase now ( Mick ) possibly due to post breeding with plenty juvs around but soon they,ll be starting grouping getting ready for the big move. Quiet blue skies today with just 1 LBB gull >N.
BS