like a light bulb.
a new family among the Canadas.
with the goslings.
1500 hrs in pleasing conditions at Fly Flatts with 100 % bright grey cloud cover and a low sky to the east with the tops of the turbines shrouded by mist. Light drizzle and a NE> 5 at 20.3 m.p.h.
Perfect conditions at last.
The first bird seen was a bright yellow duckling that stood out in the water like a light bulb. At first I thought it was a plastic bath tub toy until I got nearer to it. No Mallards were in the area as it bobbed about on its own in the middle of the water with menacing LBB gulls overhead.
One of the things that I dont like to see but nothing can be done about it. I walked the length of the west bank half watching for gulls going down to it but as I got back, instead of finding it missing as I had expected it had joined one of the groups of Canada chicks and headed out to sea with them which was a bit of a relief.
All I can think is that the Mallards are across in the NE corner and this one has been washed across in the waves not being able to swim against them. Problem is now I,ll be looking for a little yellow duckling every visit .
On a brighter note, wader wise it was like being out on the estuary with waders flying around and scurrying along the bankings wherever you looked. The boat compound held 2 Dunlin and several Common Sandpipers whilst the west bank held another 4 Dunlin and Common Sands all way along with at least 18 counted without checking the north shore. Three Redshank were present but no signs of the small dark Dunlin from yesterday.
With Snipe, Lapwing, Curlew, Reed Buntings and Mipits plus Herrings and LBBs overhead it made for a real pleasing visit with the weather bringing it all back to life.
BS