Quite sad that a buzzing Redpoll in a birch sapling was the best bird of a lunchtime stroll in Ainsdale LNR cattle enclosure today, but there you go.
Their numbers seem to have dropped off a cliff (the only significant flock I’ve had this spring was at Larkhill Meadows in Formby a fortnight ago), which may explain why today’s loner looked so grumpy.
An unmated reeling Gropper out there still, with standard Whitethroat, Willow Warbler and Sedge Warbler soundtrack, while a Mistle Thrush was feeding fledged young – where did that spring go???
After work I nipped up to Marshside to enjoy Jack Taylor’s Temminck’s Stint as the midget gem fed about 50 metres off Sandgrounders Hide.
Once Dave Bickerton had slipped away I had the stint to myself for 30 minutes.
Low light in very dark overcast conditions, but still a fine bird that flew off at one point, freaked out by Avocets and BHGs, but returned shortly after.
Given the range, light and size of the wader I didn’t expect to get any decent images and I wasn’t disappointed.
An attempt at a video clip was beyond foolish – you can see the results on YouTube here.
Med Gulls calling and the marsh buzzing with activity… a good way to end the day.