Got down to the Blackditch ECNR/Six Mile Point area for 8am this morning. Lots of duck on the flooded coastal fields including 41 Shoveler (not the most numerous duck on the East coast, as such the reserve is getting more important for them year on year). A target bird for the day materialised in the form of a 2nd-winter male Hen Harrier which drifted over the marsh in front of the main hide. Lots of Siskins overhead, 5+ squealing Water Rail & 120 Lapwing there also.
East Coast Nature Reserve coastal fields this morning
The Irish Sea was like a mill pond so a good scan all the way from Six Mile Point to Kilcoole produced a Great Northern Diver (patch scarce), 74 Red-throated Divers, 32 Tysties & a couple of Harbour Porpoise.
Red-throats rafting
Most of the Greylag & Whoopers at Kilcoole were absent today (probably in a field further inland) but a flock of c.260 Light-bellied Brent contained an adult Dark-bellied Brent Goose. There is generally one Dark-belly at Kilcoole most winters with up to 2 or 3 sometimes in March when the Brent flock usually peaks at 1,000. Can we go UK400 Club shtyle on this lad so I can claim extra points?! Female & kit Otter mooching about in Webb's field lagoon at 2pm also.
The Grey Wagtail was still present in the yard on the patch boundary allowing for a dodgy record shot.
The Grey Wagtail was still present in the yard on the patch boundary allowing for a dodgy record shot.
Grey Wag...patch rare!
12 Stonechats seen today between Blackditch & Kilcoole
Total of 16 patch year ticks today bringing me up to 75 species, 87 points & 44.5%.
Niall
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