Chasing the “Liver Birds”

Sunday 13th April, Glyn and I decided to try a day at Seaforth Docks in the hope of some summer plumaged Little Gulls. The weather was dull and grey and freezing cold, blowing a gale, so little hope. After three hours or so we had seen three Little Gull, a flock of 19 Sandwich Tern, a Little Egret and a decent flock of Icelandic Black-tailed Godwit. Also three Swallow battling it out in the gale. Nothing much else really. 

We headed back home via the moors around Axe Edge & Dane Bower on the Cheshire, Derbyshire border. In the hope of Ring Ouzel, instead we had good views of Wheatear, Stonechat and Red Grouse. A few year ticks then which moved the Year List along to 147.

A stunning flock of Icelandic Black-tailed Godwits in summer plumage – Royal Seaforth Docks, Merseyside – Tony Davison©

Moulting adult Little Gull – note the black underwing – Royal Seaforth Docks, Merseyside – Tony Davison©

Adult summer Sandwich Tern – Royal Seaforth Docks, Merseyside – Tony Davison©

Above two images – Displaying adult summer Sandwich Terns – Royal Seaforth Docks, Merseyside – Tony Davison©

Above two images – Adult male Red Grouse – Axe Edge, Derbyshire Moors – Tony Davison©