Nah…

Some of those squalls were positively indecent today, and not surprisingly most sensible critters were taking cover as the rain ricocheted off the water, driven by a brisk south westerly.

There’s always the odd wash-out, but just think how many incredible migrants will have been grounded by the stormy conditions – just gotta find ’em, it’s what autumn is all about.

That said Marshside was fairly quiet today, apart from the huge numbers of Canadas – a breathtaking carpet of feral that almost covered Polly’s Pool.

A Common Buzzard flapped through but barely got above three feet off the ground in the tough conditions.

Swallows hawked amongst the cattle on Crossens Outer and more were in the lee of the trees on Dib Road.

A bracing stroll up at Hesketh Out Marsh blew the cobwebs away, with at least 8 Avocet still, 33 Golden Plover with the Lapwings, a Grey Plover, Great White Egret, Wheatear and about 20 Dunlin, but most sensible waders were tucked in under the banks.

A couple of thousand Pinks dropped onto Banks Marsh.

A seawatch from the dunes on Friday afternoon was uneventful and difficult, but a snoozing male Grey Seal on the beach at Ainsdale needed a check-up courtesy of British Divers (thanks for the prompt response Chris).

Underweight and tired after a breeding season of scrapping with other males, once he had a clean bill of health we left him snoring on the tideline (the seal that is, not Chris).

The fate of storm-battered Razorbills and Common Scoter in the surf and on the sands was more certain – especially with GBBs in close attendance… everyone’s gotta eat.