The Lincolnshire Bird Club

After getting a message that there was a Manx Shearwater at Covenham, we set off this afternoon to take a look. On arrival no other birders were present and the weather was dismal - dull, wet and windy. We were soon joined by Mike Tarrant and Barry Clarkson and we scanned the reservoir from the shelter of the yacht club, The Manx Shearwater was quickly spotted on the far side of the reservoir.
Whilst Linda was having a look at it through the 'scope she spotted a phalarope. At that distance and in the far from ideal conditions, positive identification was not possible but we thought it was a grey. The phalarope went missing for about two hours and then Mike re-found it from the south wall -by this time the rain had stopped and conditions were improving. It was then thought to be a possible red-necked but the bird was flighty and elusive and not giving good views. The Manx was also elusive, spending most of its time in the middle - getting harried by the gulls.
Later, Terry West arrived on the scene and from the south wall noticed that two phalaropes were present! We dashed round to the south end only to find that the birds had moved closer to the east wall but were still at some distance.
The upshot was that no decent images were obtained of the phalaropes - and we could not see them when we left at dusk, but it is now considered likely that both were grey phal's. The Manx Shearwater was still present at dusk.
An eventful, but somewhat frustrating afternoon in the company of Mike & Barry, Keith Robinson, Steve Meek, Terry West, Steve Tarrant & Dave Foston.

Roy.

Keith Robinson reports that there was no sign of either the Manx Shearwater or the phalaropes at Covenham this morning. The Black-necked Grebe was still there.

Roy

had a very pleasant hour or so with Keith in the shelter of the yacht club talking about past sightings and the forthcoming meeting with Anglia Water gaining some very useful info.
First time i have had a long chat with Keith very enjoyable.
Birds seen
common terns
pied wags
100s swallows and house martin passing all the time
no sand martins - strange !!!
at least 3 swift possibly 4 my first swift for 9 days

When this low pressure has passed a favourable easterly might blow ??? heres hoping,

Terry Whalin

Terry, the BBC forecast for sun is for NE winds so seawatching could
be interesting?. ( see you on the 15th at the meet) John.

John you will be extremely welcome on the 15th with mike drew confirming yesterday that all will be welcome. I have heard john clarkson is in holland working so his participation must be in doubt also i have not heard from dave wright yet so i will give another nudge early next wk,

Terry Whalin

ps my next item to look at on line are the tide tables for flamborough where the forecast looks like the further north you are the better the winds so sorry lincs i might become a yorkie for the day
( oh dear hush my mouth ) !!!

We would'nt let you Terry.

_________________
http://www.brachytron.blogspot.co.uk

http://www.LincolnshireOdes.blogspot.com

http://www.flickr.com/photos/routy