Maxey gravel pits are my local patch, I try to get there as often as I can. Over the past few months though this site has been under water as part of a trial to see if flooding will reduce the invasive willow and so the birds present have been Black-headed Gulls and a few Teal. The pump is now on and a small amount of wader habitat is starting to appear which has brought with it some waders! This Dunlin was one of 6 present the other day (still sporting his winter garb), along with 6 Redshank, 2 Oystercatcher and 3 Common Snipe. As time goes by more invertebrate rich mud will become exposed and hopefully this will entice a few more waders to drop in.
I live in hope.
John, this bird looks too fat to fly! I think he must have found plenty of invertebrates to eat.
ReplyDeleteClick here for Bazza’s Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Hi Bazza,
DeleteHe does look a bit dumpy, but he can fly, I saw him do it just after taking these photos!
J
It sounds like the methods are working John and that you can look forward to some more goodies dropping in eventually.
ReplyDeleteI do like Dunlins, pretty little birds. I particularly like the first photo.
Hi Jan,
DeleteThank you. Yes, hopefully there will be some nice habitat for passing waders, but also breeding ones.
J
Oh how I wish I had some mud at my local John.
ReplyDeleteI get some great birds now, but a bit of mud would bring so much more.
Great shots of the Dunlin; and I think Bazza is right, looks like someone ate all the pies lol
Hi Keith,
DeleteIt`s amazing how important `mud` is to these birds and how quickly they find it! A week ago this site was under water, now a bit of mud appears and the birds are drawn in!
J
I like to see Dunlins and wonder what other wading birds you will see enjoying life on the mud. I agree with other comments that this little chap looks rather dumpy to get an elegant take off if at all.
ReplyDeleteHi cuby poet,
DeleteWaders can be an I.D. nightmare, but are always a joy to watch as they run around looking for their next meal.
Honestly, this bird still managed to fly ;)
J
A lovely bird I see in numbers..
ReplyDeleteHi Andrew,
DeleteA bird I have seen on numerous occasions as well, but this is/was the first time this year that one had been seen at Maxey, not very exciting to some, but exciting to me!
J
Dunlin are always enjoyable to see! Hope you get some great visitors soon.
ReplyDeleteHi Tammy,
DeleteThey are indeed and I am keeping everything crossed that we get a `decent` bird or two at Maxey this year.
J