crop factor camera = 1344 mm. No heat shimmer today.
Another wind swept day but ideal wader conditions with birds flying around constantly in a WSW>6 increasing to W>7 late afternoon at 38 m.p.h. This morning saw a few heavy hail and rain showers but short lived and just enough to 'sleck the dust.'
Other than the usual waders Swallows and Swifts were the star attraction with good numbers all heading into the wind. A single House Martin came through which was a surprise for this location but no Sand Martins this year as expected, I usually have to wait until autumn vis mig for my first.
This Swallow/Swift movement brought out a cracking male Merlin which steamed low over the water ,disappearing over the west bank. Very few big gulls today and its looking like the remaining 3 Wheatear have moved on.
MC had a Sanderling today so could be my turn next plus a tundrae Ringed Plover( I.ll have to read up on that ,just in case.)
Another showery windy day tomorrow though slightly less strength in the wind and then back to the dreaded hot stuff on Monday.
Fly Flatts
Sev Swallow and Swift..........>WSW
1 House Martin......................>WSW
9 Dunlin
1 Ringed Plover
11 Common Sandpiper
2 Oystercatchers
c 50 mixed Herring and LBB gull
1 m Merlin
+ usual sp.
Stay safe, BS