Knot to be Out Done

From Friday 8th August
 One of the birds we saw at Leighton Moss was a Knot which we have seen very little of in the
past.We were under the impression that it was a small bird of similar stature to the Dunlin, but
seeing it with this bird & Redshanks we could see it was clearly nearer in size to the bigger Redshanks.
Always learning with birding which is good although sometimes can be frustrating when you can't ID a
bird which can be difficult out in the field or sat looking through books.Here are a few more of our snaps
where comparisons can be made between the three species mentioned.

Knot

Dunlin

Redshank

Redshanks keeping lookout

Knot & Redshank

Knot,Dunlin & Redshank 

Leighton Moss 8/8/2014

Leighton Moss Snipe

Friday 8th August a.m.
 Whilst at Leighton Moss we visited Eric Morecambe hide which lies next to Morecambe Bay
& at high tide is a good place to see waders in the lagoons.There were a couple of Common Snipe
just in front of the hide, this a a bird we don't see much of locally & to get a decent snap is even
harder. This meant with the sun shining on the birds we were in for a snapping bonanza, hope you
enjoy the fruits of our labour.

Common Snipe

Common Snipe Leighton Moss 8/8/2014

Leighton Moss Great White

Friday 8th August a.m.
 A dull start to the day which brightened up with some decent sunshine during our visit to the
RSPB Nature Reserve at Leighton Moss, with a temperature rising from 14°C.The highlight of
our visit was seeing a Great White Egret for the first time so this first report shows the snaps we
took of it.

Great White Egret

Great White Egret at Leighton Moss 8/8/2014

Harden Moor

Sunday 3rd August a.m.
A bright start to the day but there was a strong blustery wind taking the edge off the temperature
which was 12.5°C.We started well with three Kestrels over the quarry area one which was
swooping over a Little Owl which took flight to keep out of trouble.The Sand Martins were
still here although their numbers were down on normal.These initial sightings were the highlight of
the morning, the strong winds kept the birds down with just brief glimses of birds as they moved from
one area of cover to another.Others seen were Goldfinch,Swift,Song Thrush,Mipits & Lesser Redpoll.
We Didn't have any trouble spotting the numerous Rabbits that were about.

Kestrel

Lesser Redpoll

Goldfinch

one of many Rabbits

Meadow Pipit

Harden Moor 3/8/2014

Park Dam

Saturday 2nd August a.m.
 A poor day with dull overcast conditions this morning & a temperature of 16°C on our
arrival at Park Dam in the Southern area of Bradford.There were plenty House Sparrows
in the hedgerow as we made our way to the lake, we also counted 43 Canadas grazing in the
top field.On the water were Tufteds,Mallards,Coots,Moorhen & Great Crested Grebes, a
couple of them being Juveniles.We were also pleased to see Little Grebes, we counted 4 &
there was a Grey Heron on the banking.A Grey Wagtail made an appearance in the distance
& there were Swallows & House Martins over the water.The Canadas began to come on to the
water & then the two adult Mute Swans appeared.We were delighted to see the seven Cygnets
seen earlier in the year were with them all looking like healthy Juvs.A good session even though the
weather was a bit drab the birds made up for it.

Little Grebe

two little Grebes

Grey Heron

Grey Wagtail

GC Grebe Juv

Mute Swan Juv

Mute Swan & GC Grebe Juvs

Mute Swan with seven Cygnets at Park Dam 17/5/2014

Mute Swan with seven Juvs at Park Dam 2/8/2014