Back At the Nose

Now we have Sunday. Where I finally got back into things and took a quick trip down ahead of a forecast front. In the end, it did arrive, with some very good-looking weather, but the birds hadn't got the memo.

Most movement [well, most visible movement..] happened before the front; when the gunk descended and vis dropped to < 1km. Plus sideways dizzle.

It didn't start promisingly, with all that bright overcast threatening to turn into outright sunshine, and haze on the horizon, even.. But the front sidled up and gunked. Then, just as time limited me, it started to clear - blue sky was seen.

Hmm.

The Inevitable Islands Shot

It wasn't dead, though it was hard work at times, with birds passing in the fringe of the gunk behind lingerers in the foreground. But that's all part of the fun. [This is what I tell myself, anyway..]

Gannets were most numerous: 112/4, Fulmars 16, Razorbills 13, Kittiwakes 7, LBBs 9, C Scoter 2, BHG 1

Shears mostly passed early, with a steady trickle giving 8 Balearics and 14 Manx*
Skuas were also present, with Bonxies at 1250 and 1507 and a distant sp. [probably Arctic] at 1228

A Knot was heard but not seen [according to a fellow-watcher, it was 'right under the rocks', so I'm not surprised I missed it!], and a Painted Lady was seen but not photo'd [too rapid]

What was not too rapid was the second Bonxie, which delayed my departure, as I had to have a go;

What's that?

Here Comes Trouble..

..Looking for more.

Mr. Flashman

I know - you can actually see what it is.. What is going on?? Right, time for something even more horrible... Gulls!!!

2cy and 1cy Herrings at bath time

The older gull is in very heavy moult, so looking even more unspeakably manky, while the younger is very fresh [as 'urban' Herrings can breed as and when, and try try again..]

Classic Herring flightshot

[IIDSSM]

Time for an antidote to all those great big 'orrible things;

"What have they done to my puddle?!?"

Because Rockits are brilliant. This little darling is quite happy wandering up and perching on my foot when it rains hard.. [Awww]**


Yeah, so it felt good, it looked good, but in the end I spent a lot of time scanning the gunk for not much. But then again, with only a touch more west in the wind and the chummer firing, it could have been epic.. You pays your dollar and takes your chance; that's birding.



Be Seeing You..




[[*Manxies in 1s and 2s, plus a 5. Balearics at 1226, 1239 {4}, 1244 {2}, and 1408]]
[[**Though this is often accompanied by vocal demands for bits of sandwich and flapjack..]]