New Years Day (part 1)

 Happy New Year to you all!!

A new year and a new year list. I like to start the new year with a good effort on the first day, and see how many I can get on my list. It was an early start and still dark as I headed towards Merseyside. The forecast was good, with some actual sunshine and no rain for once. Lisa and I arrived at Lunt Meadows hoping to see the Green-winged Teal that had been resident for some weeks. That would be a really good one to get on the 2024 list. Before that though, we were so lucky to watch a Barn Owl float across the fields in the early sunshine. What a great start!

Just one loan Goldeneye dropped in, but it landed nice and close for good views.

The Green-winge Teal (on the left) spent most of it's time roosting on the bank, but gave good views of the tell tale white vertical stripe beneath it's shoulder.

On the water this time (top centre) with other Teal.

We moved on to Crosby Marine lake where there quite a number of bonus birds which were not on my radar for the day. This lone Oystercatcher gave a nice fly-by giving it's usual call.

There were a few Turnstones on the shore line of the marine lake. A bird that I'd not expected to see.

Turnstone - Sheringham

The promenade in Sheringham is a great place to get up close to Turnstones. While I was looking forlornly for a King Eider Duck a few weeks back, I turned my attention to this much easier target. You don't even have to be looking for them and they will wander towards you, all very brave and brash. It doesn't bother me in the slightest and took my mind off the fact I was failing in my initial efforts.

Yes, sometimes getting too close for the lens attached.

Turnstone

A bird always to be found on the beach at Sheringham is the Turnstone. It's pebbly beach is a great attraction for this small wading bird. There are also some nice big mossy rocks for it to probe for food.

A typical sight on the sea wall at Sheringham.

A small group bathing in some run off water.

Turnstones - Salthouse

A weekend at my parents new house in Norfolk a few weeks ago gave me the opportunity to visit the coast. The North Norfolk coast is home to many varieties of waders, and one of my favourites is the Turnstone. I know a few places where it is easy to get quite close to these inquisitive birds.
I find them quite comical and love watching them as they scuttle about on the rocks or shingle beach. I parked up on a road that leads directly to the beach, and it being early there was no one else around. I could see about a dozen birds on the stones quite a distance away, so I started to walk slowly towards them. It didn't take long before they were actually all walking towards me. So I took my opportunity and got down low and waited for them to come to me.
They gave me some good views and it seemed that they thought I might have some food for them. I didn't and so just enjoyed them searching amongst the stones for their own

Waders

As many of you will know, I could, and do spend hours watching wading birds. They're some of my favourite bird subjects. You know where they're going to be and there are no branches, twigs or grass in the way. That said,  you can't just walk up to them and ask if they would mind you taking a picture.
Patience is key, and not frightening the birds is of utmost importance. If you stay still and low and don't look intimidating, you will gain their trust and everyone is happy. The birds can go about their business and I can (hopefully) get some got shots as they do it.

One of the many Ringed Plovers along the Wirral coast.

A Turnstone doing what Turnstones do. Brilliantly camouflaged at the same time.

Turnstone

I've been seeing lots of woodland birds recently on my ventures out. All done purposely of course, as I want to catch up with as many migrants as I can. I just felt I needed to get back to some waders once again though, and so I have decided to post a very handsome looking Turnstone on the beach at Titchwell earlier this Spring.

There were plenty knocking about on the rocks at the shoreline, but there was quite a gap between the two groups of rocks. This guy decided to go over the top into no man's land, where I was waiting to shoot him down with my camera.
We both came out on top, as he made it to the other side and I got some lovely pictures.

He can feel the intensity of my eye through the lens.

Redshank

The Wirral provides a fantastic habitat for wading birds. On the rocks of West Kirby, along with the Turnstones were good numbers of Redshank. As is often the case here, they were busy shielding their eyes from the strong breeze blowing in off the sea. Others were even busier on the beach. Running around and looking for a nice meal.

Checking out the sleeping Turnstone.

Head on into the wind.

Turnstone

My trip to the Wirral included a stop off at West Kirby marine lake. I pulled up at the usual spot and parked. Just a short walk from the pavement are some rocks where waders like to congregate. There were plenty of Turnstone at one end and Common Redshank at the other. A little peep over the wall and I was able to get very close to these super little birds. I don't know why, but I have a particular soft spot for Turnstones. I spent a lot of time watching their behaviour in Norfolk, and I've got to say they fascinate me.
They don't scare easily, and if you keep quite still, they will come very close to you. I've even had them walking around my feet before. Lovely, busy little birds, and as the name suggests, they do flip and turn over the stones in search of food.

This chap was having an afternoon nap.

There was quite a variety of plumage's among the birds. Some still had a lot of their summer breeding plumage.

Purple Sandpiper - New Brighton

This bird is one of my favourite waders. I've only ever seen it twice, and on this occasion there were eleven of them. In February of last year I saw my first one on the rocks at Colwyn Bay. The plumage on these birds is just wonderful. Purplish on top and mainly white underneath. They just look very neat and compact.
This particular group were huddled on a pontoon at New Brighton, on the Wirral. The tide was in and the beach covered. It was time for a little R&R.

They do have two legs. They were all just choosing to use one.

In the background here with a Laughing Gull, (Front) and Turnstones (many).

Turnstones, to the right, are slightly bigger.

Turnstone and Oystercatchers

I went in search of Purple Sandpipers at New Brighton last week. I had no such luck though on this occasion, but I will return and I will find them.
The tide had gone out quite a distance by the time I arrived (which probably was the reason the Purple Sands weren't playing ball) but it left some rocks exposed along the beach and the Oystercatchers and Turnstones were having a wonderful time picking things over and generally rummaging around. Although it was windy the sun was out and it made for a very enjoyable day.

Do you have anything for me there please Mr Oystercatcher?



Turnstone - RSPB Snettisham Beach

I do like the Turnstone. In breeding plumage it's a really striking little wading bird. As its name suggests it does quite literally turn stones over with it's bill. If you are ever fortunate enough to be around them when the sea is out and there is little other noise the sound of the stone being turned or flipped is sure to put a smile on your face. It did mine at Snettisham beach last week. I was watching some Ringed Plover close by and suddenly I could hear this constant tapping of shingle. It took me a few seconds to hone my ears in the direction that it was coming from because just a few meters in front of me had sneaked this little guy. I almost missed him as he was so well camouflaged amongst the stones on the beach, but the sound gave it away.
This bird was very confiding and not in the least bit concerned by my presence. I'm not sure who stumbled on who first. Cracking little bird.

The great muddy conditions at Snettisham.