on it to say definite.
Another clear hot day starting at 15 degrees and getting up to 24 by late afternoon but once again the
E>4 saved the day, heat wise, but did nothing for the heat distortion.
The long stretch of bright clear skies has spoilt the month of May for waders with numbers and species well down on last year. A maximum days count of Dunlin this year was 19 compared to 48 on a single day in May last year. Ringed Plover numbers were also down though a bonus of a breeding pair this year made up for it.
Waders missed this year compared to last May were Little Ringed Plover, Ruff, Greenshank, Whimbrel and Sanderling but still a slim chance of a new arrival during June, otherwise its hang on in there until July/August which last year produced Turnstone, Ruff, Greenshank, Sanderling, Green Sandpiper, Whimbrel and Grey Plover.
Today the month didnt go out with a bang but plenty to see both a.m. and p.m. with the usual waders plus a new in male Ringed Plover and a Golden Plover on the east bank.
Another late Wheatear was on the walls at distance and stood out as a very bright bird showing possible characteristics of a Greenland but too distant and in the shimmer to say definite though the time was right for Fly Flatts with Greenlands turning up here late spring and the last to come through.
Starlings were the bird of the day with around 300 adults and juvs present feeding in the top fields and around the boatyard. Driving down the entrance track was like a theme from ' The Birds'
flying over the car in swarms.
Rain promised for Wednesday and strong winds which will do nicely but I,m not holding my breath.
Fly Flatts
1 Golden Plover
1m + 1pr Ringed Plover with 2 chicks
4 Dunlin
5 Common Sandpiper
3 Snipe
2 Oystercatcher
c 300 Starling
c 150 Herring/LBB gull
1 Wheatear, poss Greenland.
+ usual sp.
Stay safe, B.S.