The starling family is still around, there are at least 2 adults and 2 fledglings. These birds used to be very common around here, but sadly no more. The fledgings and juveniles are very pale compared to the adults*, and the first time one appeared in the garden it took me some moments to realise what it was.
We see them so very rarely nowadays, and have only seen adults in recent years. This is the first time I've seen signs that they're breeding somewhere nearby. Let's hope this is a sign that the local population is recovering.
* These photos on the British Garden Birds website illustrate the differences in colour.
Sunday 31 July 2011
Saturday 30 July 2011
Saturday Sunshine
It has been a glorious sunny day here. The buddleia are in flower, but no butterflies on them today.
In the dock basin
Mute swan x 2
Mallard x 15
Coot x 2
Blackheaded gull x 40
Common gull x 5
Common tern x 4
In the dock basin
Mute swan x 2
Mallard x 15
Coot x 2
Blackheaded gull x 40
Common gull x 5
Common tern x 4
Friday 29 July 2011
Friday Flowers
Not a promising start to the day, but it had turned fine by lunchtime in time for a stroll.
There have been very few swallows around the dock this summer compared to previous years, but numbers have picked up a bit over the last week or so and there are nests under the bridge and around the locks.
More Docklands Flora
There have been very few swallows around the dock this summer compared to previous years, but numbers have picked up a bit over the last week or so and there are nests under the bridge and around the locks.
More Docklands Flora
Thursday 28 July 2011
Thursday Thoughts
A real change in the weather today, cloudy and muggy. Feels like there's a storm brewing.
There were around 20 mallard ducks around the steps near The Green Frog, with 9 fluffy and cute duckilings. Also both mute swans plus 10 coots.
There were around 20 mallard ducks around the steps near The Green Frog, with 9 fluffy and cute duckilings. Also both mute swans plus 10 coots.
Wednesday 27 July 2011
Wednesday Wander
Another hot, sunny day - perfect for a summer stroll and more tern-watching. In fact it's difficult to miss them on a walk along the dockside as they fly along at eye level just yards from the railings. There are none in this photo, though.
The newly refurbished and extended Ribble Pilot is once again open for business, with a new garden area proving very popular in the midday sunshine. The Waterfront was damaged by fire right after the festival, the roof damage is now covered by tarpaulin and the planned re-opening is postponed. Hope it all works out OK, it would be good to have a decent bistro or similar on the docks.
Another slice of dock life, spotted outside the dockside apartments
The newly refurbished and extended Ribble Pilot is once again open for business, with a new garden area proving very popular in the midday sunshine. The Waterfront was damaged by fire right after the festival, the roof damage is now covered by tarpaulin and the planned re-opening is postponed. Hope it all works out OK, it would be good to have a decent bistro or similar on the docks.
Another slice of dock life, spotted outside the dockside apartments
Tuesday 26 July 2011
More Dockland Flora, and a little fauna
Quite a few butterflies along the Guild Wheel today, but none willing to pose for the camera. There is a creature in one of the above photos, easier to spot if you click on them to view full size.
Tuesday Travels
7 swans a-swimming
Seven mute swans were on the Ribble this afternoon, near Penwortham Golf Club, too far away for my little camera.
The terns are still very much in evidence, and very vocal, on the dock. Most have now fledged, I saw a couple of fluffy chicks near one nest today.
Seven mute swans were on the Ribble this afternoon, near Penwortham Golf Club, too far away for my little camera.
The terns are still very much in evidence, and very vocal, on the dock. Most have now fledged, I saw a couple of fluffy chicks near one nest today.
Monday 25 July 2011
Docklands Flora
A pleasant sunny day for a docklands stroll, and some lovely wildflowers to admire. Here are some of the things I found on my walk today. This area is rich in wildlife if people take the time to look at and appreciate the world around us.
Saturday 23 July 2011
Saturday Sights
A female sparrowhawk was over the swing bridge at lunch time, heading towards the houses on Maritime Way. I have seen her occasionally take blue tits from the garden, not too happy to see it but she's a beautiful bird and needs to feed herself and her family.
She didn't get the chance today, however, as she was mercilessly harried by a couple of swooping swallows. She gave up and fled in the direction of Ashton Park.
The garden is still regularly visited by goldfinch, greenfinch, chaffinch, sparrow, dunnock, great tit, coal tit, blue tit and greater spotted woodpecker. All seem to have good breeding success this year, our sparrow family have raised 3 broods.
She didn't get the chance today, however, as she was mercilessly harried by a couple of swooping swallows. She gave up and fled in the direction of Ashton Park.
The garden is still regularly visited by goldfinch, greenfinch, chaffinch, sparrow, dunnock, great tit, coal tit, blue tit and greater spotted woodpecker. All seem to have good breeding success this year, our sparrow family have raised 3 broods.
Monday 4 July 2011
Monday Meander
14:00 Sun 20 o C. Wind SSE 6mph. Humidity 51%. Pressure 1017mB. Visibility good. High tide today 13:11, 9.09m.
Dock gates open.
In and around the dock basin:
Blackheaded Gull x 12
Common Tern x 2
Mallard Duck x 16
Mallard Duckling x 7
Mute Swan x 2
Swallow x 3
Dock gates open.
In and around the dock basin:
Blackheaded Gull x 12
Common Tern x 2
Mallard Duck x 16
Mallard Duckling x 7
Mute Swan x 2
Swallow x 3
Saturday 2 July 2011
Travellers Return
Docklands Days have been away in the Trossachs for the past few weeks, walking forest trails, sailing lochs, enjoying the sunshine and dodging the midgies.
I took a stroll down the Dockside to see how the terns are doing and was pleased to see they are thriving. I counted 20 adults and 8 young, all looking well-fed and healthy.
The swan nest is totally empty, the 2 adults were swimming round amongst the moored boats but no sign of any cygnets.
I took a stroll down the Dockside to see how the terns are doing and was pleased to see they are thriving. I counted 20 adults and 8 young, all looking well-fed and healthy.
The swan nest is totally empty, the 2 adults were swimming round amongst the moored boats but no sign of any cygnets.
