16.08.15. Birdlog (WeBS Count)
The monthly WeBS count is carried out along the reaches of the River Mersey and at Frodsham there are three areas which are covered: the River Weaver from the Weaver Estuary to the Weaver Bend; Frodsham Score and my patch on No.6 tank.
I’ve been away for the last week and missed the watch over the tide yesterday which produced some cracking sightings. It was with some anticipation that I was settled with Sparky (who would have liked to be still on her break rather than being eating alive by the local clegs) on the north banks overlooking the tank below (FD was watching from the southern bank).
The Dunlin flock were already on site but more flew in to swell their numbers. Over the period of observation we estimated that 3500 birds were present, with these sorts of numbers it was no surprise to find the summer plumaged Curlew Sandpiper. Other sightings included: 120 Ringed Plover, 14 Ruff and 1200 Black-tailed Godwit including 3 colour-ringed birds.
The surprise of the day was finding a Wood Sandpiper in with the Dunlins. A Green Sandpiper kept close to the banks and a Whimbrel was concealed in the vegetation.
A walk out to the Weaver Bend to try and find my lost overcoat from last week drew a blank and that also included the birds. Apart from an adult Great Black-backed Gull and a Common Sandpiper it was a payne birding there.
Three Common Buzzards were circling high over No.6 tank despite the interception by a model aircraft.
No.6 tank looking good in the early afternoon cloudy sunshine.
Observers: Frank Duff, Sparky, WSM (images 1-6).
Out on Frodsham Score a Great White Egret and a Little Egret was observed. A mucky faced Black-tailed Godwit was both a surprise and was surprised to be startled from its muddy meal.
Observer: Paul Ralston (images 7-8).