Campfield Marsh

A perfect Summer's Afternoon - 12th June 2013

John & Judith Rogers — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:38:00 GMT

Cattle grazing the buttercup meadows.

Rain overnight started off the day in sombre mood but by lunchtime the fresh wind had veered from slightly north of West to the SW, with the incoming tide. The clouds started to disperse, producing a very warm bright afternoon!

The meadows on the Reserve, with their mantle of buttercups, looked brilliant in the sunlight Everything sprang to life: damselflies were flying in good numbers along the margins of the Lonning and pools; Green-veined Whites and Wall Brown butterflies were flitting about and dragonflies (possibly Four-spotted Chasers) could be picked out across the wetlands from the hide; Chaffinches were in full song in many places along the Lonning as was a Willow Warbler; the colours of the cattle grazing the meadows contrasted with the carpet of buttercups.

. . . in all a perfect day!

Male Azure Damselfly on pond-side vegetation.

Males overlooking the pond adjacent to the hide.

Activity below - Large Red and Azure damselflies ovipositing whilst still in tandem.

It's worthwhile spending some time scanning these ponds and pools with binoculars . . .

. . . to discover the hidden world of these small interesting creatures.

Wall Brown butterfly flying in today's sunshine - the first we've seen this year.

Obviously a plentiful supply of insects for this Chaffinch's young.

Cattle heading for the watertrouigh.

Say "Moooo"!

Meadow Pool fringed with Flag Iris.

Early Summer's evening - Campfield

John & Judith Rogers — Sun, 09 Jun 2013 10:23:00 GMT

8th June

Little rabbit snatching a quick supper.

Young Crows looking very attentive.

Begging for food

. . . has its rewards!

Wren catching the last rays of the sun.

Barn Owl hunting across the saltmarsh.

It must have spotted something!

A thundery sunset.

Red orb as it disappeared beyond the horizon.

A Time for Metamorphosis.

John & Judith Rogers — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 19:00:00 GMT

May blossom and gorse in bloom - Campfield Marsh.

Spring was late this year – universally accepted, we think. We might add that here at Campfield, we are used to late Springs! We swear to you folks that the Ash trees at the top end of the Lonning only started to come into leaf 10 days ago! - but now we have had a few good days of sunshine, everything has exploded into life.

The landscape seemed to change overnight: the meadows – emerald green; buttercups – we have never seen so good and so many of them; late celendine everywhere; bluebell – a welcome shot of nectar for the bees and butterflies – are splendid; the yellow flag has virtually flowered overnight. But bullrushes and catkins, though, have gone back already, along with the dandelions. There are Damselflies everywhere (and even a Four-spotted Chaser) – their flickering wings can be seen on the Lonning denoting their massed presence in the sunshine. Female Mallard are shepherding their young about the reedy corners of the pools; Linnets, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaff and Whitethroats vie with each other and Blackbirds declare their territories from the tops of trees. Herons are hard at work on the wetlands. Oystercatchers dotted about the meadows tending their broods, with Lapwing chicks busily running around on the flooded meadows.

We don't think we have ever seen the Reserve look so wonderful – the green of the Birchwoods against the blue of the distant hills – the 'sands' of the estuary contrasting with the green of the saltmarsh, shot with the ribbons of creeks reflecting the azure of the sky, and the Seapinks coming into bloom . . . all this against the cadmium yellow of the gorse emphasised by the milk-white of the May blossom. The Shelduck rivalling this feast with their brilliant plumage, and uniquely for us at Campfield, the wind seems to have given up blowing and small Constable cumulus clouds are drifting across at their leisure.

What a feast!

4th June

Wigeon, Mallard, Lapwing and Black-tailed Godwit on flooded meadows.

Black-tailed Godwit.

Pair of Shoveler on floodwater.

Look out for the Little Grebe on the Meadow Pools on the righthand side of the Lonning. It spends a fair amount of time diving and so will suddenly pop up when you least expect it!

Caterpillar feeding on nettles. Any ideas as to what moth or butterfly it will become?

David White - Lakenheath Fen Blog says: "Drinker Moth - they get their name from drinking the dew of grass and reed stems

Four-spotted Chaser on hedgeside hawthorn.

Male Azure Damselfly.

Female Azure Damselfly on bramble leaf.

Azures and Large Red damselflies coupling on water plants - pool adjacent to hide.

Grey Heron greeting each other on landing on wetland in front of the hide.

Two or three of them can often be seen fishing on the wetlands like this.

View from the hide across the meadows of buttercups.

5th June

Crows successfully hatched - nest overlooking farm pond.

Cattle reflections across field of buttercups.

Young Lapwings quickly starting to acquire adult plumage.

May is now beginning to flower along the farm hedgerows and edge of saltmarsh.

. . . unlike the willow whose catkins are now passed their best.

Grey Heron hunting on Meadow Pools.

Little Grebe can be seen quite frequently from the second screen on the RHS of the Lonning. On this ocassion it was bathing.

Large Red Damselfly seen in good numbers, along the Lonning on sunny days. This one is a female.

Azure Damselfly (this one is a male) can be seen above pathside vegetation as their wings flicker in the sunlight.

Female Shoveler with her successful brood of at least seven duckling - seen from pool in front of hide. According to Dave Blackledge, Campfield Reserve Manager, these are only the third confirmed breeding records for the Reserve of this species.

Mozaic of landscape viewed from the hide: Buttercup meadow; rushes; heather, Cotton grass (raised bog); woodland; distant low hills.

6th June.

View from the hide. Buttercup spectacle across to the distant Pennines

Very few other species of butterfly seen as yet with the exception of these Green-veined Whites.

7th June.

Oystercatchers collecting on the receding tideline.

A number of Grey Heron and Shelduck were feeding on the incoming tide.

The Lonning clothed in its early Summer vegetation.

May miscellany

John & Judith Rogers — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 18:32:00 GMT

Saltmarsh Pool and Criffel

2nd May.

Germander Speedwell.

5th May

Looks promising for the breeding season, late as it is.

One of the first warm mornings bring the newly arrived cattle out onto the mudflats.

Spring lambs enjoying the sunshine too.

Willow Warbler catching insects under the sycamore canopy.

We were being watched from the lonning hedge (one of a number of Sedge Warblers spaced along the Lonning hedges)..

7th May

First Mallard ducklings we've seen this Spring - Meadow Pools

. . . and braving the elements alone, at that!

Roe Deer seen from the hide - over by the wood near Rogersceugh.

8th May.

Peacock on Lonning track. First one seen this year.

Newly sown bird seed wasn't really meant to be eaten yet!

Linnets overlooking seed field.

9th May.

Redshank on flooded meadow.

Cattle grazing the saltmarsh.

12th May.

Young rabbit munching vegetation.

14th May.

Courting Jackdaws - synchronised footwork.

Little Grebe slumbering in the evening sunlight on Meadow Pool.

Willow Warbler in Ash tree.

Chaffinch basking in the evening sunshine.

Stock Dove looking rather resplendent.

16th May.

Greylags on Meadow Pools.

17th May.

Male Whitethroat singing from roadside hawthorn.

21st May.

Ash trees just coming into leaf.

Contented cattle on the farm.

Orange Tip feeding on nectar from late flowering bluebells.

25th May.

Small tortoiseshell butterflies are starting to appear. They too are benefitting from the the bluebells.

28th May.

A number of crab apple trees along the marsh edge are now flowering.

Young Lapwing survive storm.

John & Judith Rogers — Mon, 27 May 2013 13:08:00 GMT

Lapwing fledglings after the storm.

There had been 24 hours of really quite heavy rain. This was not good news at this time of the year as we knew Lapwing had been breeding in the wet meadows along the Lonning and Snipe in the wetter areas of the Reserve. Let's face it – their nests are not very sophisticated!

Lapwing nesting amongst the Ladys Smock.

The day had dawned with brilliant sunshine although the wind was cold but we began to be reassured on entering the Lonning – a pair of Bullfinches were evident as were the Sedges, Willow Warblers and Whitethroat and on one of the pools a Mallard with five young.

A pair of Bullfinch after fruit buds.

A secretative Sedge Warbler along Lonning hedge

. . . suddenly declared its territory.

Willow Warbler singing.

Whitethroat picking about in the gorse and singing.

The water levels in the wet meadows were right back up to winter levels but, on anxiously scanning the area, to our delight we saw that the Lapwing had removed themselves to the higher part of the pasture and formed into a closely knit defensive group along with their young which could be clearly seen running around. This seemed to cause a few difficulties amongst the male Lapwing who were trying to shepherd their young about but trying to keep the other Lapwing away.

Lapwing and Redshank on flooded meadows.

Lapwing vigorously defending its territory.

They all looked splendid amongst the Lady's Smock. “Lady's Smock”! - sounds a bit Jane Austen to me, “Oh, Mr Darcy”! We used to call them “Milk Maids” - More Thomas Hardy: hard work in the hay meadows; sort of thing! So it looks as if everything had survived the flooding and the male Lapwing, being in a closer group, were making short work of the patrolling Crows and Black-headed Gulls, whilst sending a circling Buzzard to the 'naughty corner' in short order.

Lapwings with young in meadow of Milk Maids.

The talk on the Reserve has been of success for Snipe who seem to cope slightly better with wetter conditions. These Spring storms are a big problem for nesting birds – especially prolonged rain – but we are now basking in wonderful sunshine, as I write, with the trees and hedges exploding into leaf, giving better cover. Butterflies and Damselflies are now emerging - Orange Tips always point to higher temperatures: they never seem to fly in cold weather!

Small Tortoiseshell Butterfly along Lonning.

Small Tortoiseshell and Green-veined White butterflies on bluebells'

Orange Tip butterfly.

Large Red Damselfly on trackside vegetation.

However, the final chapter has yet to be written for this particular Spring, as the weather forecast for the coming week is not looking good!

Ahh .....

Spring Scratchings.

John & Judith Rogers — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:39:00 GMT

This typifies Campfield Marsh on a late April afternoon - sun coming in at a low angle under storm clouds. A wonderful colour combination: dark grey April skies and blazing gorse.

Male Great Spotted Woodpecker seems to be hording a small delicacy in hole in the tree trunk. He is already in pristine breeding plumage but is an avid visitor to local feeding stations - much easier than battering your brains out trying to find the odd grub!

Wonderful Mallards - obviously paired up. They seem to spend a lot of time wandering about the meadows and pools searching for an ideal nesting spot. The male has to spend a consisderable amount of time fending off suitors to this fine female.

Long-tailed Tits, now breaking up from their winter groupings, are seeking territories. As can be seen from this image - foliage is very sparce and temperatures are well down, but the prolific gorse on the edges of the saltmarsh provide sheltered likely spots for their summer activities.

Small skeins of Barnacle Geese against angry skies - storms slowing down their inclination to move north. Numbers in the region of 10K, still hanging around the saltmarshes of the Inner Solway, is quite usual amongst Barnacles who are the last to depart for their northern breeding grounds. They never seem to be in a hurry to leave their beautiful winter home!

Winter parties of Shoveler now breaking up into pairs - seen here on flooded meadows along the Lonning.

Willow Warbler seen here along the Lonning hedge (25 4 13) - but very little singing going on yet! Would indicate no hurry to establish territories on the part of these much travelled birds - they need a bit more sunshine yet!

Wood Sandpiper 27 4 13

Wood Sandpiper, appearing in flooded meadow, caused a bit of a stir amongst the assembled birders on the 27 4 13. There was a bit of pushing and shoving at the middle screen amongst the photographers (a bit beyond most people's camera ranges) . . . all very good natured, of course.

We get a pair of Tufted Duck most years on the Meadow Pools. These two are obviously displaying (27 4 13) - but they never seem to produce young here. One can always hope!

Heron hunting the productive flooded meadows in front of the hide. They are always good for a photo and often by their nature, produce action: stirring up other birds and generally being naughty. They in turn are subjected to a good deal of mobbing by Gulls and Crows.

Nice shot of Barnacles swinging in close to the saltmarsh as they round Scargavel Point keeping out of the wind. Seem to have collected a Shelduck for company. Interesting to compare sizes: the Shelduck appearing to be equal in size to this small goose!

Small groups of Bartailed Godwit drop in from time to time - resting and foraging on the edge of the tide on their passage north.

28 4 13 - Resident Oystercatcher foraging on the edge of the saltmarsh amongst the rich detritus left by the receding tide.

Chiffchaff at the entrance to the Lonning on sycamore - very little song yet! Chiffchaffs are late this year to give us their monotenous yet distinctive two notes. Here we are at the 29th April and, as can be seen, the sycamore buds have hardly opened!

Splendid male Reed Bunting in good breeding plumage (with female present) in a very probable nesting area i.e.low scrub bushes and plenty of reeds. They will have had a good winter feeding on specially planted crops on the Reserve. Strange though, these birds seldom come to bird feeding stations where the living would be very easy for them?. . . same applies to Linnets, Pippits, Twite. Extremely rare in gardens. Do not seem to be attracted by the feeding activities of other birds!

The Solway settles down to its northern night after a day of wild winds and showers.

Climate change - Deal with it!

John & Judith Rogers — Sat, 18 May 2013 22:18:00 GMT

First Green-veined White seen this Spring - 7th May

Spring's late this year! That seems to be the general consensus after a long cold wet winter, as, indeed, have been the last two. Plenty of evidence here for climate change. We can all observe various manifestations of this phenomena: some plants and flowers doing very well, others failing to appear. Strange bird movements, for instance good numbers of Siskin, Lesser Redpoll and Goldfinch arriving and staying in our gardens whereas the previous year there were just one or two. Could this be that we humans have been stimulated into greater activities such as bird feeding (cause and effect).

Good numbers of Siskin feeding on sunflower hearts. Their presence has been seen for nearly two months now.

Up to 20 Siskin, 8 Goldfinch, 2 L.Redpoll and a female Brambling were counted on 10th April.

Again Lesser Redpoll, having been here for some six weeks, still enjoying the niger seed.

In our own case going back to plants, the damson blossom in our orchard appears to have been very poor, as indeed it was last year - with no obvious reason i.e. no obvious frost or gales. Last year, the blossom was good but there seemed to have been a dearth of honey bees – the Bumble bees and Hoverflies were there in abundance giving us the hope that they might have filled the void. Not so, as the crop was very poor! This year even the Bumble Bees and Hoverflies arrived belatedly. They were not able to avail themselves of the the blossom, such as it was, leading us to expect another poor fruiting crop this year. Bad news for Redwing and Fieldfares next autumn who tend to visit us in good numbers on better occasions, filling the orchard with their chatter and activity. This last Autumn they seemed to disappear quite quickly, as did the Waxwings due to lack of hips, haws and fruit generally - apparently back to the Continent to more prolific pastures.

This year's damson blossom was starting to die back before a few warmer days brought out Bumble Bees and Hoverflies to pollinate it.

Waxwings feeding briefly on a neighbours apple trees last Autumn. We can hope that this year's fruit and berry crops are OK.

Which brings me back to the fact of poor harvests being bad news for us all e.g. our deep freeze is very low on damsons and we are having to crack open our 'special vintage' damson wine which we were keeping! Oh, the suffering! We all agree it's been quite difficult - this climate change: supermarket prices rocketing and food shortages. This, we all know, is not a new situation – it's how you deal with it that counts! Farmers are now in dire straights; many on the verge of bankruptcy – and we are increasingly in competition with other nations for food products. It would seem we must do more to help ourselves (no longer can we rely on grain and butter mountains), we have done this before on this island, of course, and can do it again. Each person take it on themselves to provide a certain amount of food produce - however small that contribution may be. Allotments, for instance, are a great institution and can provide not only food but healthy exercise, social interaction and get us all off our couches and away from the TV etc. – to mention but a few benefits. The sight of families gathered round a small shed or working their individual part of the plot, picnicking in the sunshine and gathering a basket of lettuce, radishes, potatoes and beetroot, is a happy one to behold! Where no allotments are available, perhaps a section of your own back lawn or flower beds turned over to this gainful activity, is not beyond imagination - aesthetically, neat rows of salads, pulses, root crops and brassicas are not to be underestimated!

John rotovating part of our garden to make another vegetable bed.

Raking the soil.

. . . and Judith planting it up with potatoes under the Blackbird's watchful eye.

Holes being prepared to plant marrows, corgettes and squashes.

Blackbird again lending a helping hand.

Young people get pleasure from harvesting crops they've helped to plant earlier in the year.

Runner beans soon outstrip the planter.

Finding new potatoes is almost as much fun as a Treasure Hunt.

I have to say at this point, it's all been done before – when the nation 'Dug for Victory'. I can see your eyes glazing over and your hands thrown in the air. “There he goes! Should have known it! The old codger on his hobby horse again! He should know better – we just don't have the time these days!” Not true! People in the 1940's worked longer and harder, without cars and mod cons, for less money and were a sight slimmer than today. Agriculture expanded and innovated in ways that had previously not been attempted. Let the farmers develop new crops and new technologies that can be beneficial to us all. In the 1940's many things were found to be possible when push came to shove: society changed; women entered the workplace; the NHS emerged – a world beater; new social housing; new schools. The money was found; bureaucracy was short-circuited and the nation pulled together as never before. I personally, will never forget the sight as a child of all the men of our terrace and two neighbouring avenues emerging from their houses carrying spades, forks and rakes - walking, nay, marching down to a piece of fallow spare land, marking it out into plots and digging it over in the space of a Spring evening (accompanied by wives and children) to create a wonderful allotment.

The means can be found if the will is there – just as surely today as it was then!

Fruits of our labours

The marrow patch in 5 weeks later.

Starting to fruit - mid July.

. . . they are quite a decorative plant too.

Picking peas - early July.

First potato crop - early July.

A variety of different beans coming along nicely - early July.

Raised beds are a most versatile way of growing vegetables - August.

Some of the August harvested crop . . .

. . . and produce.

Photo Diary - 23rd April 2013

John & Judith Rogers — Fri, 17 May 2013 01:12:00 GMT

A fairly strong westerly wind was blowing with intermittent sunshine. Good flocks of waders were landing on the tideline at high tide. A mixed flock of finches has been frequenting the marsh and hamlet. Later on in the evening a Heron and a Little Egret were seen on the wetland in front of the hide.

Group after group of Oystercatchers landed on the mudflats near West Common at high tide - possibly seeking the shelter of the point.

As the tide started to ebb a small flock of grey waders landed and promptly started to feed.

Three Cormorants having a good preen.

A small flock of Lesser Redpoll are still frequenting the area and are being attracted to the hamlet's niger seed.

Female and male Lesser Redpoll.

Siskin seem to spend a lot of valuable feeding time bickering.

There's a bit of a stand-off here too with the Greenfinch!

A bit of order is prevailing at last!

Bowness-on-Solway Visitor facilities, Part Four - The Cardurnock Peninsula

John & Judith Rogers — Sun, 05 May 2013 15:21:00 GMT

Campfield Marsh is quite a spectacle in May with its covering of Sea Pinks - not to mention the Gorse and May blossom along the fringes.

Back to farm and estuary - we continue along the coastal road round the Cardurnock Peninsula. Within a few hundred yards of North Plain farm we arrive at the lay-by near to Maryland farm which overlooks the Saltmarsh Pool which is well-known for its occasional exotic arrivals. You can mostly be guaranteed sightings of wildfowl, waders and gulls from the lay-by – very popular amongst local birders.

Two Little Egret hunting in the dubs on the saltmarsh almost opposite the entrance to North Plain Farm - October.

A small group of Ringed Plover in the same area, hugging the shore as the tail-end of Hurricane Katrina hit the estuary - October 2011.

Shoveler following them along - 12 9 2011.

Oystercatcher, Gull and Starling groups beating westward too, against the full force of the gale - 12 9 11

A massive amount of activity could be seen, looking along the marsh towards Saltmarsh Pool, of birds seeking shelter here - 12 9 11

Looking back towards the viaduct at the height of the gale - 12 9 11

Flock of Barnacles on saltmarsh in front of North Plain Farm - 7 11 12

. . . with a leucistic Barnacle amongst them.

Flock takes to the air - 7 11 12.

Lay-by near Maryland Farm and information board - overlooking the saltmarsh, Pool and Criffel beyond.

This is a very popular viewing place especially for rare migrants. Here a local group of birdwatchers have gathered.

. . . all enjoying the activity of the Saltmarsh Pool and the high tide roosts on the saltmarsh beyond.

A typical scene at an equinoctial high tide when the whole of the marsh floods - 11 09 10

A collection of waders waiting for the ebb. 11 9 10.

A good variety of birds to watch on the Pool - 23 10 12

Two Little Egret on Saltmarsh Pool - 19 6 12.

Two Spoonbill who put in an appearance on Saltmarsh Pool for a short while - 21 05 11

Great White Egret resting on Saltmarsh Pool - 23 10 12.

Grey Heron interacting with Great White Egret - 23 10 12.

Barnacles grazing beyond the pool - 19 11 12.

Should your energies allow, now progress along the small road towards the marsh gate, some half a mile further which denotes the western boundary of Campfield Reserve. In Summer this gate is closed owing to the cattle which graze the Reserve's saltmarshes but in Winter is open at all times. This road is still a public highway and right of way - do not let it discourage you. Having passed through though, most importantly, close it behind you. Should you not, all the valuable cattle will scatter into the Cumbrian hinterland – this does happen from time to time.

White-fronted Geese in pastures just through the Reserve's boundary gate - 16 3 12

The wide estuary pastures of the Peninsula are now available to view . . . . the wintering grounds of so many geese, swans and duck - for which the Solway Estuary and the River Wampool are so famous. But the words 'wild goose chase' take on a greater significance for you now as you motor during the Autumn, Winter and Spring months, as these flocks can be almost anywhere on the wide marshes and river estuary pastures – but that's the fun folks! That's why you are here. This is your adventure. Books have been written on the subject!

Pinkfeet on stubble near Cardurnock - 28 11 12.

Meadows around the blockhouses near Cardurnock.

Barnacle flock on a snowy day - 13 2 13.

Large numbers were flying by too - 13.2 13

Barnacles were still flying in whilst others continued to graze, undeterred by the snow - 13 2 13.

Another flock flying in to land on a later day - 4 1 13

They were very confiding and grazed quite close to the road - 4 1 13.

Cardurnock Masts.

Barnacles grazing a meadow near the masts - 4 1 13

Further along the same meadow - 4 1 13

Flock of Golden Plover - 19 11 12.

Golden Plover and Lapwing - 19 11 12.

Saltmarshes, Anthorn.

Viewed from roadside pull-in near Anthorn, looking down onto the saltmarsh. Always a good place - 19 11 12

Barnacles grazing the very short sward here - 19 11 12

Barnacles out on the mudflats near Anthorn - 5 11 12

They gradually piled onto the marsh to graze - 5 11 12.

Flocks of Barnacles and Pinks on the channel of the R. Wampool, viewed from the road through Anthorn - 5 3 13.

A bathing group in the channel - 5 3 13.

Longcroft.

124 Whooper Swans in field next to the road - 5 3 13.

Part of the group with Pink-footed geese landing in the next field over the hedge - 5 3 13.

Some of them were resting - 5 3 13.

Same field but on a previous more icy occasion - 13 2 13.

Massed flocks flying over Longcroft Marsh - 5 3 13.

Pinks grazing the pastures on Longcroft Marsh - 5 3 13.

Whitrigg Marsh.

Small group of Whoopers with Lapwings - 1 12 11.

To best see the spectacle of thousands of geese flying, circling or contentedly grazing - sometimes within yards of the road - will keep you going through the hours of your visit or days of your holiday. To find out a little more, please read through the archive of this Blog page which covers 3 years of itemised monthly information. It's worth the effort folks – it will contribute to the quality of your stay – and don't be afraid to ask other people and local birders who will give you up-to-date information. The Pubs and Guest Houses of the area are great places to exchange the 'crack' (Cumbrian for talk)

Sunset over the Wampool Estuary - sunsets round the Peninsula are always worth seeing too.

Bowness-on-Solway area,Visitor facilities Part Three - Reserves and viewing places.

John & Judith Rogers — Wed, 01 May 2013 20:02:00 GMT

Campfield Marsh.

Now we come to the 3rd part of the Blog, having dealt with accommodation issues. We can start to describe the main features of the area which is after all what you will be coming to enjoy, be it Spring, Summer or Winter.

In the case of birders, winter in the Solway area is of particular note owing to the wonderful suite of winter migrants that spend these cold months with us.

Starting within the village, there is an excellent facility known as the 'shelter', that marks the end/beginning of the Hadrian's wall trail - but is beloved of birders. Although it is open to the four winds, it gives a modicum of protection from rain and is approachable by a series of very good pathways and steps, all properly engineered in an area that we call 'The Banks', which slope steeply down from the village to the estuary – giving an ideal viewing point over the Solway itself. Should you go and take advantage of this facility, you will quite likely meet other birders, usually with an extensive knowledge of the birds you will see there out on the tideline or mudflats. High tide is a particularly good time for the use of this vantage point. The list of all species is legendary: from geese, ducks, swans, divers, grebes, petrels, auks and waders. The Skua Watch in Spring from about March/ April, is a current favourite amongst enthusiasts, as the Solway is proving to be a great flyway for this species crossing the country – which, of course, varies according to the weather and direction of the wind. Should you be so fortunate to meet one of the Skua watchers, they will tell you all the facts – their knowledge is encyclopaedic and their recognition skills beyond reproach.

The Banks' 'Shelter' on the estuary side of Bowness-on-Solway.

The 'Shelter' information boards.

. . . and excellent views to the outer estuary.

On the eastern side of the village the road sits close to the estuary with something like a quarter of a mile of railings, with a small car park at the end with room for 3 or 4 cars – allowing you an excellent view over the estuary and mudflats, where one can sit in the comfort of one's vehicle. At high tide, waders use the area of stones adjoining the road wall and, Should you remain in your vehicles, they will pay you no attention: Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Turnstone, Sanderling, Oystercatchers, Redshank and Spotted Redshank - with rarities appearing periodically. Should photography be your interest this is a good place for very close-up shots of waders.

Ringed Plover and Dunlin resting on the 'Stones' at high tide'

Large flocks of waders are pushed off the mudflats at high tide.

. . . coming into landing on the 'Stones'.

Public toilets can be found in the middle of the village from April to October, at Lindow Hall – but as yet they are not open during the winter months.

Lindow Hall.

At the west end of the village where the road sweeps steeply down to the saltmarsh there is an excellent car park, recently tarmacked, which marks the beginning of the RSPB Campfield Marsh Reserve where again you can view the wide estuary. An information board describes what birds you might be likely to see. Also a bank of Waste and Recycling bins is there too.

Bowness-on-Solway car park at the west end of the village.

. . . and the beginning of Campfield Marsh RSPB Reserve

Onwards, onwards! The road skirts the saltmarsh, now essentially all the way round the Cardurnock Peninsula with many good viewing points, both official and unofficial, across the saltmarshes and estuary meadows. The North Plain Farm with its new visitors centre ( scheduled to open sometime in August) is approximately one and three quarter miles from the village, but between here and North Plain there is one official lay-by (near Biglands farm) with good saltmarsh wader roosts viewable, particularly at high tide; and a small nature reserve ( Bowness-on-Solway Nature Reserve) managed by the CWT, well marked with information noticeboards. Please park cars at the edge of the track or roadside, as the track in through the Reserve is also used by farm vehicles. This reserve is a gem in Spring and Summer for warblers and dragonflies, as it is based on a series of small gravel pits (now disused, but filled with water) – with safe well-posted walkways and viewing points in many different locations.

A group of Little Egrets flying along the estuary - seen from Biglands layby - 19 10 12

Barnacles passing along the estuary - November.

Back to the coast road where in places the gorse has been coppiced by the ever dedicated Campfield Reserve Workparty, allowing one to readily park up to view the estuary mudflats. The roads round here are very narrow and it is a good idea to park off-road, should your driving skills be up to it, as the tractors and farm vehicles are after all quite large and need to be able to progress unhindered in their daily tasks. There is a strong tradition in the area of us all respecting each others needs as there are no official passing places but everybody does their best, and a cheery thank you wave goes down well.

Campfield Work Party.

The workparty turns out in all weathers - November 2012.

Workparty coppicing the wide roadside verge near Byers Cottage - November 2012.

Job done - have opened up a good stretch of roadside gorse for excellent estuary viewing but still leaving places for nesting birds. December 2012

Earlier coppicing October 2010 - near Marlyland Farm.

They are a hardy lot!

Views and activity along the Saltmarsh and mudflats.

Gorse and rushes in April.

The saltmarsh in Winter.

Little Egret hunting in the dubs on the marsh - October.

Curlew on the tideline - May.

Shelduck in the channel off Scargavel point - June.

Oystercatchers at high tide - January

Oystercatchers feeding on invertebrates after a high tide flood - 28 4 13

Arriving at North Plain Farm( and Visitor Centre), which is quite well marked at the entrance, there is a cattle grid and side access gate with a hundred of yards of graded track to a car park to the left. Just at present there is building activity going on with respect to the new centre but the visitor's car park is well marked as dedicated to visitors. Building activities and cabins are well marked and caged – all the Health and Safety aspects are covered. This, of course, is a temporary feature as the car park area with disabled access is planned to have a surrounding wildlife garden, meadow and wetland planting, picnic area, bird feeding station and a wildlife discovery area. The visitors centre will have visitor information, toilets, a multi-purpose area for gatherings, and personnel available daily. The final chapter is in the making but it all looks wonderful so far.

The entrance track proceeds through onto the Lonning (North Country term for farm track) - again a graded surface with disabled access where vehicles with Blue Badges can proceed as far as the hide at the far end. At various intervals along the Lonning are pools and flooded meadows with viewing screens, again with some disabled access all year round - where ducks, geese, waders and swans can be seen at appropriate times of the year.

Roe Deer running down the Lonning.

Chiffchaff In April.

Willow Warbler, April.

Shoveler on Meadow Pool, May.

Orange Tip butterfly, May

Hare in buttercup meadow, June

Swallow collecting nesting material, June.

Chiffchaff with caterpillar, June.

Great Spotted Woodpecker with fledgling, June.

Sedge Warbler with insect, July.

Southern Hawker dragonfly on hedgeside vegetation - July.

Peacock butterfly, July.

Young Sedge Warbler, August.

Little Grebe diving on Meadow Pools - September.

Common Newt taking advantage of puddle on the track - October.

Ivy is not only beneficial to insects in October - when it flowers; but also to birds in Winter - for its berries. Look out along the Lonning for good clumps of it.

Wintering Whooper Swans on Meadow Pools - October.

Wildfowl enjoying the Autumn sunshine.

Male Bullfinch along the hedgeside - November.

Wigeon on Meadow Pools - November.

Whoopers with Mallard, Wigeon and Teal on Meadow Pools - January.

Flock of grazing Wigeon seen from the first screen - January.

Group of Wigeon - January.

Barnacles flying over the Lonning - February.

Teal on icy Meadow Pool - February

Mixed flock of Pinkfeet and Barnacles grazing the meadows beyond the floodwater - February.

Blacktailed Godwits on Meadow Pools - March.

Great White Egret, Meadow Pools - March 2012.

The hide at the far end of the Lonning is excellent, with seating and also disabled access and viewing – where from the Autumn to Spring, the wetlands are particularly good for wildfowl species - large numbers of geese and swans are frequent visitors. For up to the minute information there is a 'recent sightings' noticeboard near the car park. At the hide is small turning area for disabled suitably permitted cars.

Three generations of birdwatchers in the hide.

Teal displaying in hide pool - March.

Little Egret on hide wetland - April.

Grey Heron on wetlands - April.

Mallard with ducklings - from hide in April.

Wheatear picking about amongst jungus - April.

Kestrel hunting over wetlands - end of April.

Marsh Harrier hunting over the wetlands during the Summer.

Male Hen Harrier hunting across the jungus - Summer.

Wigeon preening in front of the hide - October

Wigeon on the causeway channel - October.

Great White Egret on the wetlands with other wildfowl - 25 10 12

Family groups of Whooper Swans on wet meadows - October.

A Whooper family taking off against the wood - October.

Large flock of Barnacles grazing on meadows near the hide - January.

Barnacles - close-up.

Barnacles taking off over wetlands - January.

Mixed flock of Pinkfeet and Barnacles resting near the hide - February.

Wigeon, Teal and Shoveler in front of the hide - February.

Beyond this point a well signposted track crosses the Reserve meadows, wetland and birch woodland - and thence onto a good boardwalk across the raised bog to Rogersceugh – a farm on a small drumlin. The board-walk has been provided because the moss can be very wet going and common-sense has to be used here. Along its length are appropriate information boards describing what you might see at different points. The farm is part of the Reserve, and has an open barn information and picnic area affording wonderful views of the whole of the Cardurnock Peninsula, the Solway and the raised bog system – where you are lord of all you survey! The open barn provides excellent year round all-weather shelter. Beyond this, the track continues, should you be so minded, gated and signposted to the Kirkbride/Bowness road where there are information boards and pull-ins for cars – again please do not block the gateway. Immediately on the opposite side of this road is an access point to Natural England's Glasson Moss Reserve.

Looking back across the wetlands to the hide and screen.

View across the raised bog and cotton grass. - June.

One of a number of good information boards along the route.

Lizard basking on the boardwalk - June.

Four-spotted Chaser on pool side vegetation - mid June.

The beauty of the Cotton-grass cloaks the whole area in June.

Insectivorous Sundews - October.

Skylark amongst Cotton grass - June.

Stonechat way out, on a bracken frond - June.

Replica seat overlooking Lily pool.

Pool overlooked by seat - June.

June is the time to take in the flowering of the Yellow Lilies on the pond, from the replica seat provided.

The White lilies too are beautiful - June.

Buzzards flying overhead - August

Male Black Darter on the boardwalk - August.

A further pool with Rogersceugh Farm up on the drumlin - April.

Reed Buntings were frequenting this pool - April.

Juvenile Reed Buntings in June.

Information board in the visitor picnic area in the open barn at Rogersceugh Farm.

Distant view from the farm looking over towards the estuary and the Scottish hills.

View from the boardwalk towards Skiddaw and the Lakeland Fells - heather in bloom in August.

Panorama, on returning back along the boardwalk towards North Plain farm - June.

This particular blog is by its very nature general and particular details as to what you might see, will be covered in other information sources and leaflets – all there for you to discover.

Part Four - continuing round the Cardurnock Peninsula - will follow shortly..

Bowness -on-Solway area visitor facilities - Part Two

John & Judith Rogers — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:36:00 GMT

Start of Hadrian's Wall Walk in Bowness-on-Solway, after a really good breakfast - only 84 miles to go guys!

Sorry to split this epistle into three parts folks but we feel by doing so we may retain your interest in the Campfield/Bowness Visitor saga. It is after all an important and relevant subject in all our lives and in so doing we are hoping to ease your pathway should you choose to visit us for a day or more.

The Solway is a wild and beautiful destination especially for we birders and year on year we find increasing numbers of people seeking this sort of solace in the hustle and bustle of daily routine: the movement of the tides, the call of the birds, mile upon mile of of mudflats and shore and small unspoilt villages and hamlets that have dreamed their way down the centuries - where one can wander all day and scarcely see a soul. We know from having spoken to so many people, how refreshed and invigorated they feel after a few days spent in the area, vowing to return again – and they do so! Those of us who have the good fortune to live here each day, see this and rejoice for them.

In Part One we mentioned Wallsend Guest House and Tearoom and here, Part Two, will include other visitor features such as the King's Arms: an excellent hostelry, central to the village, with accommodation, good food and a warm welcoming atmosphere - together with information about other places to stay in Bowness.

The Kings Arms on the main street.

The Kings Arms (http://kingsarms-bowness.co.uk/ - proprietors: Dave Wiseman and family) encircles both birders and wall walkers alike, and many a good yarn is served over excellent ale and locally caught salmon – should this be to your taste! These fish are freshly caught and come straight from the Solway's ever restless tides by the local fishermen who rejoice in the exotic name of 'haaf-netters' – a form of fishing that requires you to stand in the surging waters up to your chest, holding a massive net into which the salmon and seatrout throw themselves with wild abandon on the way to the tables for your delectation. If you are fortunate you may chance to meet one of these netsmen who will regale you with many a tale of 'derring-do' should his tongue be loosened by the ale you have plied him with. The Kings Arms are a place where, down the years, farmers, fishermen and craftsmen have assembled after their day's toil to exchange the 'crack' and slake their thirst – and increasingly visitors are now joining them with tales of how many miles walked that day on Hadrian's Trail, recounting the number of blisters on their tortured feet; I jest not folks! - or the many thousands of Barnacle Geese that have been observed, not to mention Pink-footed Geese and Whooper Swans. Ornithologists are not slow to tell a good tale and where these birds might best be seen.

Shore Gate House B & B.

Let us move on. A further B & B establishment (Theresa and Alan, proprietors) at the very eastern end of the village. Shore Gate House( http://www.shoregatehouse.co.uk/) – gazing out over the wide 'sands' of the Solway with excellent en-suite accommodation – the full English . . . If you want the full Solway experience here is the place to feel it. You couldn't be any nearer the estuary than this house – four square and stone built but warm and comforting within to a very high standard. How many people could watch geese, other wildfowl and waders from their bed or the weary walker can be settled with a warm shower within minutes, congratulating themselves on the 84 miles they have just encompassed, knowing that they have become part of the history of the Wall – thereby joining the intrepid legions? Hadrian would have approved!

The Old Chapel B & B.

Further up the main street, which I assure you good folks, is the exact line of Hadrian's Wall we come to the Old Chapel. A most interesting building in red sandstone – beautifully restored and tastefully converted within into a B & B with self catering facilities (http://www.oldchapelbownessonsolway.com/accomodation/index.htm) with Michael and Maureen, the proprietors, living right next door. A continental breakfast is provided, in this most immaculate of establishments. What more could a small party of birdwatchers or wall walkers or, indeed, a small family require? With respect to birders, there is also an offer from October to March of special 2 night Birdwatching breaks, to groups of people wishing to spend time watching the array of migrant birds on the Solway Estuary. A place like this is virtually unique in the area where the pub's good refreshment and food are about, I would say, 2 minutes walk along the village street. Though in the case of the crippled wall walker perhaps 3 minutes - but it is surprising what a shot of whisky can do for a swollen ankle – you have after all reached the end of your suffering and you can regale your support party with tales of heroism and endeavour that would do justice to a Viking Saga and guarantee your place in history. You will be able to dine out for months on the strength of them. These tales, of course, will lose nothing in the telling!

Rose Cottage - self catering accommodation.

Now we come to to Rose Cottage (http://www.katescumbriancottages.co.uk/index.html), which nestles on the village street – a typical spacious cottage conversion, beautifully appointed and furnished to a very high standard – ideal family accommodation. Debbie, the proprietor, also welcomes visitors to visit their farm, some 7 miles away, where they can help feed the calves, chickens or ducks, or watch the cows being milked and see how a Cumbrian Farm works. Open all year round for exploring the Solway and nearby Lake District with good off-road parking for 3 cars with up to 2 dogs accepted. Although it is self catering the King's Arms is a minutes walk away.

Part Three to follow shortly which describes possible year round activities and features in the area.

Bowness-on-Solway area and its Visitor Facilities – Part One

John & Judith Rogers — Wed, 24 Apr 2013 23:17:00 GMT

Beginning of the Reserve in Bowness-n-Solway.

Now that spring has arrived and the Summer holiday season will soon be looming, not to mention the opening of the new Campfield Marsh RSPB Visitor Centre later in the year – people are going to start arriving here wanting to know what facilities will be available in the immediate area and in Bowness-on-Solway - and which of them extend through into the Winter season.

The now well established Hadrian's Wall National Trail (http://www.hadrianswall.ltd.uk/hadrians_wall_info.html) which crosses the country, starting/ending up in Bowness, has a season from Easter to the end of October and can create a heavy demand during these months. Also people who are intending to come here on Bird Watching holidays will be visiting during the Winter months as well. So we felt that this was a good time to start drawing a few facts together to this end.

Therefore, to start off with, we decided to take ourselves down into the village to first of all look at the most recent development there: the new Tea Room at Wallsend Guest House and talk to Lyn and Andy, the proprietors. (www.wallsend.net)

Wallsend Guest House and Tearoom.

Duly arriving, we found Andy busy putting bird boxes up on trees in the garden, where upon we introduced ourselves – stating our immediate objective. He then took us inside and introduced us to Lynn who promptly showed us round the establishment. We realised for the first time that essentially the whole place had been strongly influenced by the Arts and Crafts Movement and had retained much of its original quality but the 'modern' had been tastefully combined. The sunshine gleaming, everything polished and immaculate – we were duly impressed, especially so when Lyn, at very short notice, presented afternoon tea i.e. freshly baked scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream with lashings of tea; all served in china (teas available April to October). Over tea we chatted about their aspirations and their ideas for the Guest House which was of personal interest to ourselves also as we needed some accommodation for our visiting family both in the summer holidays and during the winter – which on seeing the en-suite bedrooms, we promptly booked up two holidays for them which was an excellent way of solving a problem for ourselves.

Afternoon tea.

Welcoming lounge.

Comfortable bedrooms.

Andy then took us for a look round the garden proudly showing us his fine coup of hens who would be 'involved' in providing the full English breakfast! He also indicated that a splendid new chalet-style building in the grounds which he said would be a more relaxed (if that's the word) tea room for wall walkers (as we call them locally) booted, rucksacked, thirsty, hungry and exhausted - upon arrival at the end of their 84 mile 'hike' across the width of the country. Believe me folks, this walk is no pushover - though it can be done in small sections, if you are so minded – over the last ten years since the trail has started, we have observed many parties of young people, suitably arrayed in camouflage and with impressive packs, having yomped the full trail in a couple of days. But I believe the oldest to have attempted the trail so far was a 'young' lady in her nineties – a feat which, I'm sure, we will all bow the knee to.

The outside seating for Tearoom. (Photo by kind permission of Tripadvisor <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/LocationPhotos-g499568-d1913946-Wallsend_Guest_House-Wigton_Cumbria_England.html#47930493"><img alt="Wallsend guest house and tearooms)

'Breakfast providers'

I think folks, this is a good place to end Part 1 of 'Bowness-on-Solway area and its visitor facilities'

Our Special Spring Visitors - 20 4 13

John & Judith Rogers — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 15:08:00 GMT

Black-tailed Godwit.

After lunch, Judith said to me,”I'll have to get into the garden. These last two days of sunshine and rain have brought everything on. “OK,” I said, “I need a walk. I'll go down the Lonning and see what's there.” Unusually there was very little wind and the sun was beating down. I headed towards the middle screen and the flooded meadow.

But Norman had beaten me to it. He was already there with his scope. He said, “Hi John! 14 Black-tailed Godwits and a Redshank.” “Wow!” I said. Our special Spring migrants are here, all feeding busily around the margins of the floodwater – some up to the tops of their legs. It looked as though they had just come in. Many of them were just coming into summer plumage - still some Wigeon, plenty of Teal, a Redshank and a couple of Shoveler completed the picture. I said to Norman, “I'll get on back - Judith will want to photograph these”.

. . . and so it proved to be. Needing no excuse to drop the gardening tools and gather up her photographic equipment, she disappeared in the direction of the farm – lost to the world for the next couple of hours!

Fourteen Black-tailed Godwits on floodwater.

Shoveler pair with Godwits.

Shovelers departing.

Redshank feeding along the margins too.

Initially some of the Godwit were resting.

Redshank came alongside.

Other Godwit were feeding.

Feeding in deep water.

Stirings in their midst.

Eventual departure.

6th - 15th April 2013. An illustrated diary.

John & Judith Rogers — Tue, 16 Apr 2013 15:33:00 GMT

Campfield Marsh - early April.

6th April 2013

Sunny all day with a light SW wind. Early morning there were 14 Shelduck with two Mallard pairs out on the mudflats. A small group of Redshank came in with the tide. On the Meadow Pools, Wigeon and Teal were gathering and seemingly pairing up. The two Little Egret were still frequenting the wetlands beyond the hide, along with a good collection of duck: Wigeon, Teal, Pintail and Shoveler. The Barn Owl was seen early evening hunting along the saltmarsh.

Shelduck and Mallard on mudflats.

Grey Heron over Meadow Pools.

Wigeon on Meadow Pool bankside.

Pair of Teal dabbling in wet meadow in front of 1st Screen overlooking Meadow Pools.

Male Teal looking resplendent.

Little Grebe - had just come up from a dive on Meadow Pool.

One of the two Little Egret hunting on the wetland near the hide.

Little Egret close-up.

Great Tit - first songster heard on Lonning hedgerow.

7th April

A milder day with a light easterly wind. Sunny until dusk.

Lonning - Little Grebe seen on Meadow Pools. Redshank and lots of Black-headed Gulls on floodwater with Teal and Wigeon. Lapwing flying about excitedly and calling.

West Common hamlet - Rabbit with a white paw seen amongst the gorse and in the gardens. 6 Siskin on garden sunflower heart feeders with at least 4 Goldfinch and a male and female Brambling.

White Paw. Is this leucism or is there a degree of hybridisation here?

Seems to like the vicinity and can often be seen lounging in the hedgerow in the sun. Appears to be quite tame!

8th April

Rather dull today with a south-easterly wind which would seem to have brought in a flush of finches and waders.

Mudflats as tide was receding at 1.30pm - good flock (in the region of 1000) of Dunlin and Oystercatcher.

Saltmarsh about 4 pm - Two Little Egret flying east.

West Common Hamlet - In the region of 20 Siskin, 3 lesser Redpoll and numerous Goldfinches on garden feeding stations.

Four species feeding in close proximity to each other . . .

. . . not always amicably though!

They are very colourful species at this time of the year.

Male Lesser Redpoll - well into breeding plumage.

Moorhens had a very successful breeding season last year and consequently could be seen regularly all over the Reserve thoughout the Autumn and Winter. This one was seen crossing a ditch into the hamlet gardens.

10th April.

A misty mild morning with intermittant sun. More finches have arrived and are feeding voraciously on the garden feeding stations. There is generally a lot of bird activity.

Competition for the sunflower hearts.

The males seem to get more colourful as each day passes.

There's still a lot of bickerng taking place.

Male Siskin.

Female Siskin.

Coal Tit.

Great Tit.

Goldfinch.

Male Chaffinch basking in the sunshine.

Male Pheasant looking splendid.

Magpie surveying all the activity.

11th April

A hazy damp day.

A small flock of Jackdaws were seen flying round the marsh front area.

A male Brambling was still in evidence along with about 8 Siskin.

13th April.

A much warmer hazy day which induced plenty of Spring-like activity: two Swallows were seen flying about the hamlet; Bumble bees were very active amongst the garden heathers; a very light coloured butterfly, probably a Painted Lady, was seen briefly; Crows seem very interested in their nest in the large trees at the bottom of the garden and have been collecting twigs for the last few days now; a flock of finches was flying around excitedly. The warmer weather had given everything a kick start.

First Bumblebees - possibly B. terrestris.

Possibly B. jonellus

Small flock of Barnacles flying east along the estuary.

Crows had been seen gathering twigs and nest refurbishing recently.

Male Lesser Redpoll still in evidence.

14th April.

A cooler feel and galeforce southwesterlies greeted us this morning, having rained heavily overnight. These conditions precipitated the start of the Skua passage along the Solway with enthusiastic bird watchers recording of a whole range of birds as well as Skuas, making the passage through.

Early evening these rough conditions also brought in a small flock of Barnacles with a handful of Pinks, which flopped down exhausted onto the mudflats round Scargavel Point. Having rested for a while they were soon off again directly into the full force of the gale.

Campfield Marsh, as the tide races in pushed by the gale.

Juvenile Herring Gull had just put in an appearance.

Barnacles, having just landed on the mudflats.

Settling down on the mud.

At 6 pm. they took off into the face of the gale.

15 th April.

Still very windy. Groups of finches still flying around West Common. Having bought a new longer niger seed feeder, was interested to see that their allegence to sunflower hearts had shifted slightly.

A trip round the Cardurnock Peninsula late afternoon resulted in finding a flock of 43 Pinkfeet grazing a meadow near Pasture House and about 100 Dunlin and Ringed Plover on the tideline at Bowness Railings.

Attraction of new niger seed hanger - is it the design or the contents?

Some of the Pinkfeet grazing near Pasture House. Most of their flocks seem to have left the area now and headed north.

Ringed Plover and Dunlin on the tideline at Bowness Railings.

Dunlin are gettting their summer plumage.

An absolutely excellent Solway Spring morning - 3rd April 2013

John & Judith Rogers — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 11:02:00 GMT

Pinkfeet against distant snow-clad Skiddaw.

Wall to wall sunshine from dawn, with fluffy Constable-style clouds – completely windless. What a day!

We had to go to Kirkbride so set off along the saltmarsh and within a couple of minutes ran into two Little Egrets near Biglands lay-by. They were working the dubs out on the saltmarsh. Their whole actions and the way they related to each other seems to indicate a pair.

Took the back road from Bowness to Kirkbride but at the metal bridge (over the Wampool) decided to make a quick detour towards Anthorn. Plenty of Pinkfeet with a few Barnacles mixed, on both sides of the river, with quite large parties coming in all the time.

Realising that there appeared to be a further flock on the other side of the river we made a further detour towards the double bend at Angerton and were rewarded by a further flock of Pinks and Barnacles with the leucistic Pink amongst them.

Fields now have become much drier. Indulged in a little bit of photography before returning home for lunch. On our return, noted a build-up of Shelduck on the mudflats here off Scargavel Point – 24 at the latest count.

LITTLE EGRET ON CAMPFIELD SALTMARSH.

Two Little Egret hunting in a dub on the saltmarsh in front of Biglands layby.

Seen emerging.

Hurrying on to the next one.

Looking rather splendid with head plume flying.

Body language might suggest that they are a pair.

They find a further dub to explore.

GEESE AT WHITRIGG.

Signs of goose activity in the area.

Sure enough there were numerous flocks continously coming in to join those already on the ground.

This group of Pinks were quite near to the estuary road.

MIXED FLOCK AT ANGERTON.

Pinks and Barnacles ( about 100) grazing on stubble.

A leucistic Pinkfoot was amongst them.

Lighter leucistic bird.

More Pinkfeet flying in.

. . . and landing with the flock.

FURTHER GATHERINGS ON MUDFLATS OF CAMPFIELD MARSH.

Shelduck numbers are starting to increase.

Mixed waders.

Oystercatchers and Dunlin.