Down by the seaside

The glorious weather tempted me and Jack to have a ride across to Southport with Bryn and our camera gear. The traffic was dreadful with what seemed to be a large proportion of the population of north west England was heading there too. Despite the masses heading for the beach it was still possible to get away from the crowds.

When we eventually found a parking space it was only a short walk before we found loads of Natterjack tadpoles in a water filled wheel rut in the edge of the salt marsh. Unfortunately most of these are likely to perish as the water dries up.
 

Jack looking at the masses of Natterjack tadpoles.





Doomed Natterjack tadpoles (Epidalea calamita)



Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita)

 We walked out to the incoming tide to try and get a few shots of waders. Sanderling were the most numerous with a flock of about 140 birds but there a few Oystercatchers, Dunlin, Turnstone and a single Bar-tailed Godwit. One of the Sanderlings had colour rings and a green leg flag which I have since reported to find out its sightings history and ringing details. I will post the details when I receive them.

Sanderling (Calidris alba)

Sanderling (Calidris alba)

Sanderling (Calidris alba)

Sanderling (Calidris alba)



Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)


A trickle of Swifts, House Martins and Swallows were going north and at least two Hobbies seemed to come in off the sea. It was a really interesting afternoon and we plan to go back in the morning to do some more photography.



Bryn having a ball