Walney Birds 3

Being on the island at night was an experience that reminded me of the nights I’ve spent on the islands of Skokholm and Skomer. No Shearwaters here, but the almost human cries of seals punctuating the stillness of the small hours was reminiscent of those wonderful nights I spent with my youngest daughter on the Welsh islands during her formative years.

A setting sun reflects in the windows of our living room

We managed to see at least one new bird every day whilst on Walney, and I’d keep that up during the second week on Iona too!

Over 50 Tree Sparrows were on the reserve
Flock of Tree Sparrows
Linnets showing their bounding flight with wings out and well tucked in!
With flocks of small passerines on the reserve it was no surprise to see a hunting Sparrowhawk
Sparrowhawk
62 Sandwich Terns were still feeding in the offshore waters before heading off for their continual summer haunts
Sandwich Tern
Sandwich Tern
Yellow Wagtail
Five Grey Wagtails were passing through
Little Egret with Redshank and three of the 23 Greenshank that were on the reserve during our week there
Three of the small resident population of Barnacle Geese in front of the Groyne hide
The soundscape of the reserve revolved around the three note ‘tew tew tew’ of the Greenshank
Sunsets with wind turbines, a reminder of the importance of renewables in the country’s energy portfolio

 

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