Dock basin and lock
14:30 Grey cloud & showers, 20 o C. Wind S 17mph. Humidity 72%. Pressure 1004mB. Visibility good. High tide today 21:49, 7.73m.
Lock gates closed.
Another quiet day, typical summer bank holiday weather. It looks like the tail end of Hurricane Bill has arrived, there have been heavy showers and some hailstones. Ribble Steam appears to be having a good day, trains seen crossing the bridge have been full. It's an undercover attraction, popular on a day like today.
Coot x 3
Cormorant x 2
Black-headed gull x 50
Lesser black-backed gull x 1
Swallow x 2
Monday 31 August 2009
Sunday 30 August 2009
Sunday 30 August 2009
Dock basin and lock
13:00 White cloud, 16 o C. Wind S 10mph. Humidity 81%. Pressure 1014mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 20:44, 7.26m.
Lock gates closed.
Very quiet down here today, just one or two walkers & nobody at work in the boatyard. It has been dull all morning, no rain so far.
I watched a cormorant fishing in the lock for 10-15 minutes. I love watching these birds, they are so quick and fluid of movement when they're fishing.
Coot x 2
Mallard x 5
Cormorant x 3
Black-headed gull x 40
Swallow x 2
13:00 White cloud, 16 o C. Wind S 10mph. Humidity 81%. Pressure 1014mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 20:44, 7.26m.
Lock gates closed.
Very quiet down here today, just one or two walkers & nobody at work in the boatyard. It has been dull all morning, no rain so far.
I watched a cormorant fishing in the lock for 10-15 minutes. I love watching these birds, they are so quick and fluid of movement when they're fishing.
Coot x 2
Mallard x 5
Cormorant x 3
Black-headed gull x 40
Swallow x 2
Saturday 29 August 2009
Saturday 29 August 2009
16:00 Sunny intervals & showers, 15 o C. Wind W 20mph. Humidity 66%. Pressure 1017mB. Visibility very good. High tide today 19:16, 7.07m.
Albert Edward dock.
Much cooler today, and a brisk wind. The water in the dock is quite choppy. Fortunately any showers have been very short lived. Both mute swans are up in the Albert Edward dock today near the marina, attracting admiration (and probably titbits) from the weekend visitors.
Mute swan x 2
Coot x 8
Mallard x 30
Cormorant x 7 (4 in flight)
Black-headed gull x 30
Lesser black-backed gull x 20
Herring gull x 10
Common gull x 10
Common Tern x 1
There were also around 50 - 60 assorted gulls on the water at the top end of the dock, too far away for accurate identification.
Albert Edward dock.
Much cooler today, and a brisk wind. The water in the dock is quite choppy. Fortunately any showers have been very short lived. Both mute swans are up in the Albert Edward dock today near the marina, attracting admiration (and probably titbits) from the weekend visitors.
Mute swan x 2
Coot x 8
Mallard x 30
Cormorant x 7 (4 in flight)
Black-headed gull x 30
Lesser black-backed gull x 20
Herring gull x 10
Common gull x 10
Common Tern x 1
There were also around 50 - 60 assorted gulls on the water at the top end of the dock, too far away for accurate identification.
Friday 28 August 2009
Friday 28 August 2009
No Docklands walk today, we have been to Leighton Moss RSPB reserve.
It has been a wild and windy day, with some heavy showers and occasional sunny intervals. We managed to dodge the rain, more through luck than timing.
5 Marsh Harriers put on a beautiful aerial display in and around the woodland opposite Griesdale hide. 2 Egrets landed on the mere's edge outside the hide.
There were mallard, wigeon, teal and shoveller on the water, and black-tailed godwit on one of the small islands dotted around the mere.
It has been a wild and windy day, with some heavy showers and occasional sunny intervals. We managed to dodge the rain, more through luck than timing.
5 Marsh Harriers put on a beautiful aerial display in and around the woodland opposite Griesdale hide. 2 Egrets landed on the mere's edge outside the hide.
There were mallard, wigeon, teal and shoveller on the water, and black-tailed godwit on one of the small islands dotted around the mere.
Thursday 27 August 2009
Thursday 27 August 2009
14:30 Cloud, 19 o C. Wind SW 10mph. Humidity 60%. Pressure 1010mB. Visibility very good. High tide today 16:48, 7.82m.
Lock gates closed.
Very quiet around the dock today, no trains & the showery weather seems to have kept the walkers away.
In and around the dock basin today:
Coot x 1
Mallard x 1
Cormorant x 3
Black-headed gull x 20
Lock gates closed.
Very quiet around the dock today, no trains & the showery weather seems to have kept the walkers away.
In and around the dock basin today:
Coot x 1
Mallard x 1
Cormorant x 3
Black-headed gull x 20
Wednesday 26 August 2009
Wednesday 26 August 2009
14:00 Light rain, 18 o C. Wind S 16mph. Humidity 89%. Pressure 1000mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 16:01, 8.35m.
Lock gates open.
More showers than sunshine, it has drizzled for most of the day so far. Not too many birds about, the swans help to make the walk in the rain worthwhile.
In and around the dock basin today
Swallow x 2
Coot x 3
Mute swan x 2
Cormorant x 2
Black-headed gull x 10
Lock gates open.
More showers than sunshine, it has drizzled for most of the day so far. Not too many birds about, the swans help to make the walk in the rain worthwhile.
In and around the dock basin today
Swallow x 2
Coot x 3
Mute swan x 2
Cormorant x 2
Black-headed gull x 10
Tuesday 25 August 2009
Tuesday 25 August 2009
15:00 Sunny intervals, 18 o C. Wind WSW 8mph. Humidity 66%. Pressure 1007mB. Visibility good. High tide today 15:21, 8.84m.
Lock gates open.
Another day of sunshine and showers, watching clouds chasing each other across the river. A lot more birdlife in and around the lock today, the tide quite noticeably lower.
I got a very close sighting of the local sparrowhawk, flying over the lock towards the woodland on the north side. The sparrowhawk is female and hunts around the local gardens. I have somewhat mixed feelings about this, she is indeed a very beautiful bird. It's sad to find the occasional pathetic little heap of feathers from a bluetit or sparrow, but she is doing what comes naturally and probably feeding a young family too.
In and around the dock basin today
Swallow x 3
Sparrowhawk x 1
Coot x 3
Cormorant x 1
Black-headed gull x 10
Mallard x 6
Lock gates open.
Another day of sunshine and showers, watching clouds chasing each other across the river. A lot more birdlife in and around the lock today, the tide quite noticeably lower.
I got a very close sighting of the local sparrowhawk, flying over the lock towards the woodland on the north side. The sparrowhawk is female and hunts around the local gardens. I have somewhat mixed feelings about this, she is indeed a very beautiful bird. It's sad to find the occasional pathetic little heap of feathers from a bluetit or sparrow, but she is doing what comes naturally and probably feeding a young family too.
In and around the dock basin todaySwallow x 3
Sparrowhawk x 1
Coot x 3
Cormorant x 1
Black-headed gull x 10
Mallard x 6
Monday 24 August 2009
Monday 24 August 2009
15:00 Light Rain, 18 o C. Wind WSW 12mph. Humidity 72%. Pressure 1003mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 14:43, 9.24m.
Lock gates open.
Very few birds around the lock today. The water level is very high as the tide has only just turned.
One swallow overhead, one black-headed gull in the dock basin.
There seem to be caterpillars around still, something is feeding on the nettles along the riverside footpath. It's most likely peacock butterfly caterpillars, peacock butterflies are often to be seen on the buddleia around the bullnose.
Lock gates open.
Very few birds around the lock today. The water level is very high as the tide has only just turned.
One swallow overhead, one black-headed gull in the dock basin.
There seem to be caterpillars around still, something is feeding on the nettles along the riverside footpath. It's most likely peacock butterfly caterpillars, peacock butterflies are often to be seen on the buddleia around the bullnose.
Sunday 23 August 2009
Sunday 23 August 2009
15:30 Light Rain, 18 o C. Wind S 16mph. Humidity 76%. Pressure 1010mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 14:05, 9.54m.
Quite a change in the weather today, very grey & damp.
There is a very autumnal feel to the day. Many of the trees and bushes are bearing fruit, in keeping with the "season of mists and mellow fruitfulness". They add welcome colour to a dull day.
We spotted this fearsome beastie in the plants along the garden pond's edge. Closer inspection revealed a few of his smaller siblings as well. It is about 6cms long, and is the caterpillar of the Elephant Hawk Moth.
Quite a change in the weather today, very grey & damp.
There is a very autumnal feel to the day. Many of the trees and bushes are bearing fruit, in keeping with the "season of mists and mellow fruitfulness". They add welcome colour to a dull day.
We spotted this fearsome beastie in the plants along the garden pond's edge. Closer inspection revealed a few of his smaller siblings as well. It is about 6cms long, and is the caterpillar of the Elephant Hawk Moth.
Saturday 22 August 2009
Saturday 22 August 2009
15:30 Sunny, 20 o C. Wind SW 7mph. Humidity 46%. Pressure 1019mB. Visibility very good. High tide today 13:25, 9.69m.
Lock gates closed, they were preparing to open them as I headed home. There have been quite a few boats in and out today.
It has been a glorious sunny afternoon, people are taking advantage of the weather. The butterflies are also enjoying the warm sun.
The water in the river is very high today, no sand bars visible. The depth meter at the doc entrance, just outside the dock gates, is showing a depth of 8m.
Very few birds in the dock basin, around 40-50 gulls circling overhead, a mix of black-headed, common, herring and lesser black-backed.
In the dock basin today
Black-headed gull x 3
Mallard x 1
Coot x 1
Moorhen x 1
Around the lock
Swallow x 5
On the Ribble, just outside the dock gates
Mute swan x 1
Mallard x 1
Lock gates closed, they were preparing to open them as I headed home. There have been quite a few boats in and out today.
It has been a glorious sunny afternoon, people are taking advantage of the weather. The butterflies are also enjoying the warm sun.
The water in the river is very high today, no sand bars visible. The depth meter at the doc entrance, just outside the dock gates, is showing a depth of 8m.
Very few birds in the dock basin, around 40-50 gulls circling overhead, a mix of black-headed, common, herring and lesser black-backed.
In the dock basin today
Black-headed gull x 3
Mallard x 1
Coot x 1
Moorhen x 1
Around the lock
Swallow x 5
On the Ribble, just outside the dock gates
Mute swan x 1
Mallard x 1
Friday 21 August 2009
Friday 21 August 2009
14:30 Scattered cloud, 18 o C. Wind WSW 16mph. Humidity 66%. Pressure 1017mB. Visibility poor. High tide today 24:51, 10.044m.
Lock gates closed.
Very changeable today, some strong gusts of wind from time to time, another high tide. Heavy rain forecast, sunny right now though.
Black-headed gull x 20
Mallard x 9
Coot x 2
Swallow x 5
Lock gates closed.
Very changeable today, some strong gusts of wind from time to time, another high tide. Heavy rain forecast, sunny right now though.
Black-headed gull x 20
Mallard x 9
Coot x 2
Swallow x 5
Thursday 20 August 2009
Thursday 20 August 2009
14:30 Heavy rain showers, 17 o C. Wind SW 16mph. Humidity 81%. Pressure 1005mB. Visibility poor. High tide today 24:17, 9.84m.
Lock gates closed.
The water level in the lock and dock basin is very high today, high tide today is not until after midnight but the lunchtime tide was also pretty high at 9.42m.
There are a few fishermen on the bullnose taking advantage of the high water, watched by greedy gulls hoping for titbits.
We've had some torrential rain today, fortunately we're having a 'sunny interval' right now.
Black-headed gull x 15
Mallard x 7
Coot x 2
Moorhen x 1
Swallow x 6
Lock gates closed.
The water level in the lock and dock basin is very high today, high tide today is not until after midnight but the lunchtime tide was also pretty high at 9.42m.
There are a few fishermen on the bullnose taking advantage of the high water, watched by greedy gulls hoping for titbits.
We've had some torrential rain today, fortunately we're having a 'sunny interval' right now.
Black-headed gull x 15
Mallard x 7
Coot x 2
Moorhen x 1
Swallow x 6
Wednesday 19 August 2009
Wednesday 19 August 2009
14:30 Cloudy, 22 o C. Wind S 17mph. Humidity 64%. Pressure 1010mB. Visibility good. High tide today 23:31 9.42m.
Lock gates closed.
It was sunny earlier, now it's feeling quite muggy. There's a storm brewing somewhere.
Very quiet around the marina and lock today, even the black-headed gulls are few in number. Still no sign of momma and ducklings, they must have either gone onto the Ribble or up to the Albert Edward dock.
In and around the dock basin today
Black-headed gull x 4
Mallard x 5
Coot x 3
Common tern x 1
Swallow x 3
Flying over - A skein of Canada geese. Probably making their way to Fairhaven Lake.
Lock gates closed.
It was sunny earlier, now it's feeling quite muggy. There's a storm brewing somewhere.
Very quiet around the marina and lock today, even the black-headed gulls are few in number. Still no sign of momma and ducklings, they must have either gone onto the Ribble or up to the Albert Edward dock.
In and around the dock basin today
Black-headed gull x 4
Mallard x 5
Coot x 3
Common tern x 1
Swallow x 3
Flying over - A skein of Canada geese. Probably making their way to Fairhaven Lake.
Tuesday 18 August 2009
Tuesday 18 August 2009
14:30 Cloudy, 19 o C. Wind S 12mph. Humidity 70%. Pressure 1016mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 22:39 8.85m.
Lock gates closed.
This clump of flowers growing on top of the gates looks like either a chamomile or Sea Mayweed, I didn't fancy getting close enough to find out.
Very quiet around the locks today. 1 lesser black-back sitting amongst the black-headed gulls,.
I haven't seen momma duck and ducklings for a couple of days, hope nothing has happened to them. The resident coot was nowhere to be seen either,
In and around the dock basin today
Black-headed gull x 40
Lesser black-backed gull x 1
Common gull x 2
Mallard x 9
Swallow x 3
Lock gates closed.
This clump of flowers growing on top of the gates looks like either a chamomile or Sea Mayweed, I didn't fancy getting close enough to find out.
Very quiet around the locks today. 1 lesser black-back sitting amongst the black-headed gulls,.
I haven't seen momma duck and ducklings for a couple of days, hope nothing has happened to them. The resident coot was nowhere to be seen either,
In and around the dock basin today
Black-headed gull x 40
Lesser black-backed gull x 1
Common gull x 2
Mallard x 9
Swallow x 3
Monday 17 August 2009
Monday 17 August 2009
14:30 Sunny intervals, 18 o C. Wind W 12mph. Humidity 78%. Pressure 1013mB. Visibility good. High tide today 21:37 8.20m.
Lock gates closed.
Feeling much warmer today without the strong, gusty winds of the last few days.
It has been a rare privilege to watch the terns fishing in the dock basin this summer, at times just a few metres away. It's not often one gets such a close look.
The gulls in the dock basin are almost invariably black-headed gulls. The other gulls fly and circle overhead, but land there only occasionally, usually when the gates are open.
In the dock basin today
Black-headed gull x 50
Common gull x 2
Common tern x 2
Coot x 2
Mallard x 15
Swallow x 5
Lock gates closed.
Feeling much warmer today without the strong, gusty winds of the last few days.
It has been a rare privilege to watch the terns fishing in the dock basin this summer, at times just a few metres away. It's not often one gets such a close look.
The gulls in the dock basin are almost invariably black-headed gulls. The other gulls fly and circle overhead, but land there only occasionally, usually when the gates are open.
In the dock basin today
Black-headed gull x 50
Common gull x 2
Common tern x 2
Coot x 2
Mallard x 15
Swallow x 5
Sunday 16 August 2009
Sunday 16 August 2009
14:00 Dull and cloudy, 18 o C. Wind W 17mph. Humidity 73%. Pressure 1012mB. Visibility good. High tide today 20:22 7.66m.
A woodland walk
There are a surprising number of green spaces around the dock and alongside the railway line, with some pleasant paths to enjoy.
The trees and shrubs provide both cover and food for the blackbirds, bluetits and other birds. The flowers encourage moths and butterflies.
This path runs from the bullnose up to Strand Road
It follows the railway line for part of its length
A handsome willow
Attractive as they are, I don't think these shiny berries are native species. They may be garden escapees from nearby homes or offices.
A woodland walk
There are a surprising number of green spaces around the dock and alongside the railway line, with some pleasant paths to enjoy.
The trees and shrubs provide both cover and food for the blackbirds, bluetits and other birds. The flowers encourage moths and butterflies.
This path runs from the bullnose up to Strand Road
It follows the railway line for part of its length
A handsome willow
Attractive as they are, I don't think these shiny berries are native species. They may be garden escapees from nearby homes or offices.
Saturday 15 August 2009
Saturday 15 August 2009
14:00 A day of sunny spells, gusty winds and torrential rain showers, 19 o C. Wind WSW 18mph. Humidity 77%. Pressure 1006mB. Visibility good. High tide today 18:50 7.47m.
Lock gates closed. A very windy day, difficult to keep my balance at times and almost impossible to hold the binoculars steady.
Ribble Steam are having a 'Friendly Engine' day today at the museum, with hourly train rides up to Strand Road. The engines are kitted out with smiley faces, though this one looks slightly sinister to me.
In and around the dock basin today
Swallow x 3
Common tern x 1
Mute swan x 1
Coot x 1
Mallard x 11
Black-headed gulls x 40
Common gulls x 2 - flying over
Lock gates closed. A very windy day, difficult to keep my balance at times and almost impossible to hold the binoculars steady.
Ribble Steam are having a 'Friendly Engine' day today at the museum, with hourly train rides up to Strand Road. The engines are kitted out with smiley faces, though this one looks slightly sinister to me.
In and around the dock basin today
Swallow x 3
Common tern x 1
Mute swan x 1
Coot x 1
Mallard x 11
Black-headed gulls x 40
Common gulls x 2 - flying over
Friday 14 August 2009
Friday 14 August 2009
13:30 Dull and overcast, 19 o C. Wind SSW 9mph. Humidity 59%. Pressure 1013mB. Visibility moderate. High tide today 17:25 7.68m.
Lock gates closed
The water in the lock is very green today, the scum of blue-green algae looking like paint on the water surface. It seems to form on calm, sunny days and disperses when the lock gates are opened, or the wind picks up and increases the wave action. The majority of the gulls seem to be up on the Albert Edward dock, along with several cormorants, maybe they're expecting some rough weather.
The swallows are still swooping around the lock, indignantly chasing off an inquisitive magpie taking too close an interest in their nesting place.
Only black-headed gulls in the dock basin today, along with mallards and coots. Momma duck still has all 4 ducklings present and correct, on their favoured mudbank.
Swallow x 2
Magpie x 1
Mallard x 11
Coot x 1
Moorhen x 4
Black-headed gulls x 9
The juvenile moorhens were confusing, I thought at first they were juvenile coots as I have never seen moorhens there before. It doesn't seem like moorhen territory at all. This picture clearly shows the lateral line.
Lock gates closed
The water in the lock is very green today, the scum of blue-green algae looking like paint on the water surface. It seems to form on calm, sunny days and disperses when the lock gates are opened, or the wind picks up and increases the wave action. The majority of the gulls seem to be up on the Albert Edward dock, along with several cormorants, maybe they're expecting some rough weather.
The swallows are still swooping around the lock, indignantly chasing off an inquisitive magpie taking too close an interest in their nesting place.
Only black-headed gulls in the dock basin today, along with mallards and coots. Momma duck still has all 4 ducklings present and correct, on their favoured mudbank.
Swallow x 2
Magpie x 1
Mallard x 11
Coot x 1
Moorhen x 4
Black-headed gulls x 9
The juvenile moorhens were confusing, I thought at first they were juvenile coots as I have never seen moorhens there before. It doesn't seem like moorhen territory at all. This picture clearly shows the lateral line.
Thursday 13 August 2009
Butterflies on the Bullnose
There are a few Buddleia around the bullnose which I think must have been planted by the builders of the houses on Maritime Way. This beautiful white-flowered one is covered in butterflies at the moment.
Some of the butterflies seen today around the bullnose
Peacock
Red Admiral
Tortoiseshell
Common Blue Female
Common Blue Male
A day flying moth, possibly a Marbled Brown
Peacock
Green-veined White
Thursday 13 August 2009
Around the bullnose
13:30 Sunny intervals today, many prolonged. 18 o C. Wind W 6mph. Humidity 63%. Pressure 1019mB. Visibility very good. High tide today 14:26 8.02m. Lock gates closed.
One pair of swallows seem to be nesting in a recess in the lock wall, where the hydraulics for the gates are housed. They can be seen flitting in and out regularly. Many nest under the bridge, and don't seem at all fazed by the noise of traffic and trains passing overhead, or by the bridge opening and closing.
In the dock basin today
Mallard x 12 - Mostly sitting in the sun, momma with her 4 ducklings puddling around the mud at the riverward end today.
Coot x 2
Black-headed gulls x 20
Common gulls x 10
Herring gulls x 5
Keep watching the skies.
Looking for more ant swarms, perhaps?
Some other Docklands visitors
13:30 Sunny intervals today, many prolonged. 18 o C. Wind W 6mph. Humidity 63%. Pressure 1019mB. Visibility very good. High tide today 14:26 8.02m. Lock gates closed.
One pair of swallows seem to be nesting in a recess in the lock wall, where the hydraulics for the gates are housed. They can be seen flitting in and out regularly. Many nest under the bridge, and don't seem at all fazed by the noise of traffic and trains passing overhead, or by the bridge opening and closing.
In the dock basin todayMallard x 12 - Mostly sitting in the sun, momma with her 4 ducklings puddling around the mud at the riverward end today.
Coot x 2
Black-headed gulls x 20
Common gulls x 10
Herring gulls x 5
Keep watching the skies.
Looking for more ant swarms, perhaps?
Some other Docklands visitors
Wednesday 12 August 2009
Wednesday 12 August 2009
Around the lock and marina
15:30 Dull with sunny intervals 18 o C. Wind W 12mph. Humidity 69%. Pressure 1018mB. Visibility good. High tide today 15:41 8.30m.
Very quiet around the marina today. A few visitors were about, photographing the steam train crossing the bridge.
One of the terns was fishing in the dock basin, and taking the catch back up to the nest.They have a very graceful flight in comparison with the gulls, almost swallow-like.
Only 3 or 4 swallows darting around the bridge today.
Mamma duck doesn't seem to keen on the coot hanging around her ducklings, or maybe she wants to keep it away from the slice of bread.
She should have kept an eye on the sneaky black-headed gull as well.
15:30 Dull with sunny intervals 18 o C. Wind W 12mph. Humidity 69%. Pressure 1018mB. Visibility good. High tide today 15:41 8.30m.
Very quiet around the marina today. A few visitors were about, photographing the steam train crossing the bridge.
One of the terns was fishing in the dock basin, and taking the catch back up to the nest.They have a very graceful flight in comparison with the gulls, almost swallow-like.Only 3 or 4 swallows darting around the bridge today.
Mamma duck doesn't seem to keen on the coot hanging around her ducklings, or maybe she wants to keep it away from the slice of bread.
She should have kept an eye on the sneaky black-headed gull as well.
Tuesday 11 August 2009
Tuesday 11 August 2009
South side of Albert Edward dock
15:30 Grey, cloudy, occasional glimpses of blue skies, 18 o C.
Wind W 10mph. Humidity 68%. Pressure 1021mB. Visibility Very good. High tide today 15:05 8.50m.
8 mallards sat in a row along the water's edge on the slipway.
Common, herring, lesser black-backed and black-headed gulls on the pontoons, along with cormorants, pied wagtails and common terns. The gulls tend to prefer the opposite side next to the car park, probably due to its proximity to fast food outlets.
2 coots bobbing about between the pontoons.
There are at least 2 pairs of nesting terns on the dock, and at least 1 chick. It wasn't possible to see if there was a chick in the second nest.
Mallard x 8
Common Gull x 5
Herring Gull x 5
Lesser black-backed Gull x 10
Black-headed Gull x 2
Common tern x 5, 1 chick
Cormorant x 2
Pied Wagtail x 2
Coot x 1
15:30 Grey, cloudy, occasional glimpses of blue skies, 18 o C.
Wind W 10mph. Humidity 68%. Pressure 1021mB. Visibility Very good. High tide today 15:05 8.50m.
8 mallards sat in a row along the water's edge on the slipway.
Common, herring, lesser black-backed and black-headed gulls on the pontoons, along with cormorants, pied wagtails and common terns. The gulls tend to prefer the opposite side next to the car park, probably due to its proximity to fast food outlets.
2 coots bobbing about between the pontoons.
There are at least 2 pairs of nesting terns on the dock, and at least 1 chick. It wasn't possible to see if there was a chick in the second nest.
Mallard x 8
Common Gull x 5
Herring Gull x 5
Lesser black-backed Gull x 10
Black-headed Gull x 2
Common tern x 5, 1 chick
Cormorant x 2
Pied Wagtail x 2
Coot x 1
Monday 10 August 2009
Monday 10 August 2009
A change in the weather
15:30 Drizzly, still quite warm 16 o C. Wind SW 8mph. Humidity 94%. Pressure 1012mB. Visibility Poor. High tide today 14:34 8.64m. Lock gates open.
It has been a grey, gloomy day so far. Very quiet on the dock. Half a dozen swallows flitting about the lock area, one solitary coot swimming in the dock basin. The common terns are still around, flitting about between the dock basin and Albert Edward dock. 3 gulls took a look but decided to give it a miss and headed off down river.
Swallow x 6
Coot x 1
Herring Gull x 3
Common Tern x 2
15:30 Drizzly, still quite warm 16 o C. Wind SW 8mph. Humidity 94%. Pressure 1012mB. Visibility Poor. High tide today 14:34 8.64m. Lock gates open.
It has been a grey, gloomy day so far. Very quiet on the dock. Half a dozen swallows flitting about the lock area, one solitary coot swimming in the dock basin. The common terns are still around, flitting about between the dock basin and Albert Edward dock. 3 gulls took a look but decided to give it a miss and headed off down river.
Swallow x 6
Coot x 1
Herring Gull x 3
Common Tern x 2
Sunday 9 August 2009
Sunday 9 August 2009
14:30 Sunny intervals, warm, dry 20 o C. Wind SSW 6mph. Humidity 63%. Pressure 1019mB. Visibility Moderate. High tide today 14:03 8.73m. Lock gates open.
Quite a bit of traffic through the lock today, yachts going out and coming in.
All the assorted gulls, quite a few mallard and both swans were up in the Albert Edward dock, along with 3 cormorants.
Half a dozen swallows around the lock and the bridge.
There was a fish jumping in the lock for several minutes, coming up to 1ft out of the water. It was black above and silvery below, about 8ins long. It may have been jumping after flies. It looked like an eel, I don't know if this is typical behaviour.
In the dock basin
Mallard x 16, M/F
Coot x 1
Common Tern x 1
Quite a bit of traffic through the lock today, yachts going out and coming in.
All the assorted gulls, quite a few mallard and both swans were up in the Albert Edward dock, along with 3 cormorants.
Half a dozen swallows around the lock and the bridge.
There was a fish jumping in the lock for several minutes, coming up to 1ft out of the water. It was black above and silvery below, about 8ins long. It may have been jumping after flies. It looked like an eel, I don't know if this is typical behaviour.
In the dock basin
Mallard x 16, M/F
Coot x 1
Common Tern x 1
Saturday 8 August 2009
Saturday 8 August 2009
On the bullnose
15:00 Very warm, sunny, dry, 19 o C. Wind WSW 7mph. Humidity 60%. Pressure 1020mB. Visibility very good.
High tide today 13:34 8.74m.
Lock gates open.
A quiet afternoon along the bullnose, visitors tend to stay on the other side of the bridge. It being Saturday, Ribble Steam are running steam train rides from the museum on Chain Caul Road, up to Strand Road and back again.
Higher water in the dock basin today. No mudbank was visible, hence fewer birds around
Mallard x 6, 4 juveniles.
Mute swan x 1, quite unusual to see them apart but does sometimes happen.
Swallow x 10, swooping around the bridge and lock.
Coot x 1
Pied wagtail x 2, perched on top of the lock gates
Common gull x 4
Common tern x 1, switching between the basin and Albert Edward dock. There are normally a pair, but did not see them together today.
Black-backed gull x 3
Black-headed gull x 2
Herring gull x 2
p.s. Sometimes nature really is on your doorstep. This small copper seems to be admiring its own reflection in the glass.
15:00 Very warm, sunny, dry, 19 o C. Wind WSW 7mph. Humidity 60%. Pressure 1020mB. Visibility very good.
High tide today 13:34 8.74m.
Lock gates open.
A quiet afternoon along the bullnose, visitors tend to stay on the other side of the bridge. It being Saturday, Ribble Steam are running steam train rides from the museum on Chain Caul Road, up to Strand Road and back again.
Higher water in the dock basin today. No mudbank was visible, hence fewer birds around
Mallard x 6, 4 juveniles.
Mute swan x 1, quite unusual to see them apart but does sometimes happen.
Swallow x 10, swooping around the bridge and lock.
Coot x 1
Pied wagtail x 2, perched on top of the lock gates
Common gull x 4
Common tern x 1, switching between the basin and Albert Edward dock. There are normally a pair, but did not see them together today.
Black-backed gull x 3
Black-headed gull x 2
Herring gull x 2
p.s. Sometimes nature really is on your doorstep. This small copper seems to be admiring its own reflection in the glass.
