Spent time waiting for appointment when in the courtyard I spied a blackbird that looked rather worse for wear. In fact close to death. It really needed a visit to A&E or to be placed on end of life. No cat done this but another blackbird could have done. I dare not finish it off as to many people passing. Just hid it in plant.
The regular call in on site with my first GREY WAG here. It is 2 years since last seen here so good to see them back. The KINGFISHER was back with his partner longingly looking at the bank. Also three LITTLE GREBE up in numbers from last week.
A very short call in with the best being a pair of GOLDENEYE and a single MARSH HARRIER male. But hearing SKYLARK singing was also a joy. Also a single KESTREL.
Short call in with five MED GULLS. One other bird 1st winter with only one leg. Action on the North Holm Sands with many Sinises GREAT CORMORANT and GANNETS diving and feeding well. Also several KITTIWAKES flying South to nesting sites.
.JPG)
Pathways Care Farm: All GADWALL now gone for the summer, which was not only sign of spring with a calling CHIFFCHAFF putting in an appearance for the first time this year. KINGFISHER sat on far side of lake. No LITTLE GREBE.
Links Hill: A single ROCK PIPIT down on the beach, flitting amongst the boulders. MED GULLS on the groynes.
On arrival at home three CHIFFCHAFF pic below.
Pathways shew a very large drop in GADWALL numbers well down to only 8 birds. Rough old day with high winds.
Links Hill: A scattering of gulls and a rabbit. Until I caught sight of a very white Herring Gull. But it was a real muck up of a bird. It seemed to me to be a cross between an (Argentines Herring Gull X Glaucous ) but you make your mind up. So we stick at "Viking Gull".
The long staying male EIDER was tyre sitting in the bay surrounded by three OYSTERCATCHER who soon flew off. Herring gulls were very noisy. Also a small murmeration of STARLING about 50 birds.
