Redshank slow to breed this year.
An ENE>3 felt very cool as Iwalked the west bank early a.m. even though the temperature was up to 9 degrees with some sun but full cloud by 1000 hrs. By late afternoon there were black skies and welcome heavy showers.
As I went through the top gate on the morning visit it was apparent that there had been an overnight fall of Wheatears with at least 15 in the top field by the entrance track along with 8 Golden Plovers.
The wader count was poor as I walked the west bank with very few to be found apart from the usual pair of long staying Ringed Plovers and 4 Common Sandpipers. A single Redshank flew over towards Cold Edge whilst a Cuckoo was calling from down in the valley near to Dean Head reservoir, an annual location for this species.
By late afternoon the wind had increased and turned NE>4 with heavy rain showers so off back to Fly Flatts with hopes of things livening up.
As soon as I parked up I could see the difference from the morning visit with Common Sandpipers skimming over the water in all directions and I didnt have long to wait before a group of 6 small waders came in from the SW comprising of 5 Dunlin and 1 female Ringed Plover landing on the cobbled east bank.
A pair of Tufted duck came in from the S and landed on the lagoon, not a common species at this site. Most of the Wheatear had moved through leaving about 6 present whilst Goldie numbers were up to 12. The afternoon rain showers and increase in wind completely transformed the birding scene from a rather dull morning watch to a bird filled afternoon.
Fly Flatts a.m.
4 Common Sandpiper
2 Ringed Plover
1 Redshank
8 Golden Plover
15 Wheatear
1 Reed Bunting
2 Pied Wagtail
1 Raven
1 Cuckoo, heard only
+ usual sp.
Fly Flatts p.m.
8 Common Sandpiper
3 Ringed Plover
2 Redshank
12 Golden Plover
5 Dunlin
6 Wheatear
1 Reed Bunting
2 Pied Wagtails
1pr Tufted duck
+ usual sp
BS