Field Trip To South Walney Reserve

In May 2015 the Birdwatching Group enjoyed a field trip To Hodbarrow and South Walney reserves in Cumbria. Here are some of my photos from South Walney.

[click on a photo for a larger view]

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Emperor Goose. A remnant from an exotic wildfowl collection. There were 4 present if I remember correctly.

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There was a flock of Ringed Plover and Dunlin along the shore. They were looking quite smart in their breeding plumage.

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A closer view. Unfortunately the Dunlin were mostly asleep.

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I managed to find one Dunlin that was awake.

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A nice drake Eider.

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A pair of Eiders. There were only a few females present on the sea or on the pools since most were sitting on nests.

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A pair of Eiders taking it easy on land.

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Two male Eiders taking it easy. The colours are quite striking.

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The male Eiders werre paying very close attention to the females and harassed them at every oportunity.

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A single female with a large group of suitors.

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Grey Seals were watching us from the sea.

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A female Wheatear was present among the rubble.

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Nosey!

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Two of the Grey Seals having a bit of an arguement.

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Friends again.

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There were a few Linnets present on the bushes. However just too far away for a really good photo.

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A large flock of Oystercatchers roosting on the saltmarsh.

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Lesser Black-backed Gulls. Part of a large breeding colony in the sand dunes. Note the bright yellow legs.

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Just a few Herring Gulls present. A paler mantle and pink legs.

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Another Lesser Black-backed Gull.

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