A pleasant morning at Fly Flatts with full cloud but some hazy sunshine on a light ESE>2 at 8 degrees.
A full mashing of a check this morning with 360 degrees of the shoreline inspected with a walk the full length of the west bank to scope the north and north east muddy shore with hopes of hidden waders.
The exposed mud was poor for birds due to the time it had been exposed and dried out making it hard and of no use for probing. At least it proved that the recent visiting Ruff had gone with just the usual waders present.
At 0815 hrs a group of 17 Oystercatchers flew in from the SW looking very spectacular as the circled the water before landing on the west bank. After about 30 minutes, feeding and preening, they took off and headed away >SE. An amazing count for this species, this time of year, at Fly Flatts.
A Cuckoo was calling from down in the valley by Dean Head reservoir whilst Wheatears were scattered along the west bank, all females. Greenlands are the last to come through so one to look out for. Just had the one so far this spring.
Another morning bart Swifts but plenty Swallows through >SE. Otherwise, down to the usual species.
A cloudy morning with a light NE starting at 6 degrees. A brighter afternoon.
Fly Flatts
12 Redshank
17 Oystercatchers
2 Dunlin
6 Common Sandpiper
9 f Wheatear
1 Cuckoo
1 Kestrel
+ usual sp.
BS