Last week I combined two hobbies, marrying meteorology and ornithology, and set off for the Humber Estuary for both bird and storm watching.
The rain was spectacular – and so were the birds.
Highlights: in the beginning all Nimbo (rain bearing), which eventually gave way to spectacular Cumulus Congestus and Vellum.
What about the birds? I hear you cry. Oh yes – Icterine Warbler, Wryneck – in pairs, Pied Flycatcher by the dozen, Spotted Flycatchers, Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Ruff, Knot, a selection of Bar- and Black-Wits, Black Tern……..and there were dozens of drenched swallows crowding for shelter in a bush, waiting for a lull and looking as if they would not last the day – but did.
A call at a water works on the way home gave two or three treats in the form of Little Gull – in quantity – kingfisher, which I never tire of, and a delightful pair of Garganey.
Mrs GB-S gave valiant support with an umbrella to keep the telescope and observer dry(ish). What a brick! She is not designed for continuous precipitation.
Now, there’s a thought – a BF gamp perhaps?
Regards.
G B-S.
The rain was spectacular – and so were the birds.
Highlights: in the beginning all Nimbo (rain bearing), which eventually gave way to spectacular Cumulus Congestus and Vellum.
What about the birds? I hear you cry. Oh yes – Icterine Warbler, Wryneck – in pairs, Pied Flycatcher by the dozen, Spotted Flycatchers, Wood Sandpiper, Green Sandpiper, Greenshank, Ruff, Knot, a selection of Bar- and Black-Wits, Black Tern……..and there were dozens of drenched swallows crowding for shelter in a bush, waiting for a lull and looking as if they would not last the day – but did.
A call at a water works on the way home gave two or three treats in the form of Little Gull – in quantity – kingfisher, which I never tire of, and a delightful pair of Garganey.
Mrs GB-S gave valiant support with an umbrella to keep the telescope and observer dry(ish). What a brick! She is not designed for continuous precipitation.
Now, there’s a thought – a BF gamp perhaps?
Regards.
G B-S.