Some days are perfect; beautiful weather and birds at the RSPB reserve at Saltholme. Just outside the Saltholme Pools hide, a Jack Snipe appeared.
This bird kept ‘bouncing’ as if on a spring every time it fed with its long bill. In the long grass, only the movement betrays its whereabouts.
But when it steps out into the open, it reveals the beauty of its plumage.
Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus)
In the skies, Lapwings and Golden Plover wheel in flocks, the better to avoid the Peregrine Falcons.
Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
Golden Plover (Pluvialis apricaria)
I’m surprised to still see Golden Plover on the reserve this time of year.
Back in the reeds, another wader. This time, a Dunlin.
Dunlin (Calidris alpina)
Also, a Redshank.
Redshank (Tringa totanus)
A Grey Heron flew past.
He flew across the waters of Paddy’s Pool, to confront a Little Egret and chase him off.
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
The Grey Heron thus claimed the waters for his own.
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
On the waters of Paddy’s pool, Wigeon were seen, close to Canadian Geese.
Wigeon (Anas penelope)
Canada Goose (Branta canadensis)
Finally, two more ducks. First a Teal, feeding.
Teal (Anas crecca)
And a Shelduck in the distance, on Saltholme west pool.
Shelduck (Tadorna tadorna)
