Some raptors and passerines photographed at Brockholes Wetlands over the past week

November 6, 2011:
Kestrels are frequently seen hunting over the damp grassland on the Reserve whilst in good weather Buzzards thermal over the adjoining woodland. The Hobbys have long since departed south but Sparrowhawks can occasionally be seen.



[One of the ever-present Kestrels hunting over the marsh]


[A Common Buzzard making use of the thermals]


[A distant and distinctly bedraggled over-flying Sparrowhawk]

Flocks of Goldfinches feed on the thistle and burdock seed-heads and Meadow Pipits and Stonechats are also present, the latter often perching prominently.



[A small flock of five Goldfinches feeding on burdock seed-head]


[Meadow Pipit at the car park]


[Stonechat near the quicksand pool]

Common autumn birds on Heysham north harbour wall

September 22 - October 19, 2010:
Passage birds and residents can be found in the north harbour wall area. At this time of year the winter-visiting Twite were still to arrive but small passage flocks of Linnets, Goldfinches and Meadow Pipits and a few Wheatears came and went whilst the semi-resident Mediterranean Gulls and Pied Wagtails lingered. When the tide was low Curlew flew out to visit the mudflats and Turnstones and Oystercatchers fed on exposed mussel beds, the latter gathering en masse when pushed back by the incoming tide. Also at this time of year with very strong westerly winds, passing Leach's Petrels can be pushed to within 200 metres of the shore and may be readily watched from here. Eight were seen to pass in a 2-hour period around mid-day on September 20.


[Linnet]


[Goldfinch]


[Meadow Pipit]


{Pied Wagtail]


[Wheatear]


[Curlew]



[Mediterranean Gull, both above]


[Turnstone]



[Oystercatchers, both above]