Marshside RSPB

Golden Plover flock on Rimmer's Marsh, Marshside RSPB 7 April 2012.

Once I'd dragged myself away from sifting through the geese yesterday (7th) I had a go at finding some migrants at Marshside. Several hundred Golden Plover were in fine fettle on the reserve from Nel's Hide, alongside a few Avocets, Black-tailed Godwits, Ruffs and Snipe.

Marshside RSPB from the Hesketh Road platform, 7 April. See how it's drying out from a fortnight ago.

1st summer Mediterranean Gull.

My first two House Martins of the year could be seen over the fields and housing estate beyond the reserve and a Mediterranean Gull (above) stayed just long enough for a couple of record shots.

2nd summer Mediterranean Gull from Sandgrounders, Marshside 7 April 2012.

As well as the cracking 2nd summer (above) there was another 1st summer Mediterranean Gull on show from Sandgrounder's and a quick look around the Sandplant produced a female Merlin.
Not many migrants apart from a few singing Chiffchaffs, but not a bad day out on the Ribble.

1st summer Mediterranean Gull with Black-headed Gulls from Sandgrounder's, Marshside 7 April 2012.