Catch up time

What is it about sunny Bank Holiday Weekends?

On the rare occasions that one comes along, I am almost invariably struck by apathy - "Ah, why bother?" I think "There'll be hordes everywhere..."

This is, of course, true [unless you're able to get on-site at 6-30am...] and so I tend to do what I've been doing this weekend - catch up on my beauty sleep [Oh, do I need that! No comments please, its not a matter of debate, after all.. ;) ] and do a bit of pottering around later on.

Saturday afternoon had me doon toon, where there were 11 moulting Turnstone and a couple of Rockits on the Real Living Coast [next to the fake one] - still a bit early for the Purple Sands. 5 juv. LBBs, 7 BHGs and a Geeb were with 70-odd mostly juv. and 1s Herrings - getting fed by grockles [the signs having been pinched / thrown in the harbour again]. A Cormorant was off Torre Abbey [as were a lot more big gulls, but too far out for a sort-through], but nowt else of interest.

Sunday afternoon saw a wander around Mamhead Bottom and environs, where at least 2 immature Southern Hawkers and what was probably a Common Hawker were a very pleasant surprise, as was a nice mixed band of tits, Chiffs, small finches, Goldcrests, and at least one Treeeecreeeper. This was the sheltered sunny side, unlike the top of the ridge, where the wind kept everything down. Then it decided to rain - not the full sideways, but 45 degrees - and as it wasn't just a passing shower it was enough to make home and coffee appeal...

Monday had at least a little more activity - up on Holne Moor and the upper Mardle. A Peregrine soaring close to a Buzzard was an interesting sight, but no wanderers, despite decent conditions for them. Lower down, a juvenile Green Woodpecker made an expedition up the Mardle, showing well on the ground and attracting the attention of a large band of Mipits. A single Wheatear and a Yellowhammer were the other birds of note, [I know Yellowhammers aren't that noteworthy, but I like them] with a nice Common Hawker and a frustratingly elusive female / immature darter sp. the odonata of the day. The Mardle valley itself was looking very pretty, with the bracken on the turn and the gorse and heather out on the flanks.