20/01/2017 Cumbria and it's 150

Friday 20 January 2017
Cumbria

Spent a great day with brother-in-law Kenny and good friend Brian.  The weather was really good with clear skies and no wind.

Whitehaven Marina

• It took some time but we eventually located the Black Guillemot and enjoyed good scope views.
• There was a lovely Long-tailed Duck on the sea just outside the Marina.

• No sign of the Black Redstart.

Workington Harbour

• Stumpy, the one-legged be Mediterranean Gull stole the show by flying close by and landing at good strategic viewing points.
• At least 2 Purple Sandpipers could be seen from the end of the pier.

Siddick Pond, Workington

This was alive with birds.

• At least 10 Whooper Swans were on display with 4 of them being juveniles.
• The Redhead Smew was showing well on the small pond.
• So too were the Goldeneyes.
• Goosanders were present in good numbers.

River Derwent, Workington

Water levels were high so it did not bode well for us seeing our target bird - the Dipper.

• No need to worry - we saw at least 2 finally.
• Before this we were both surprised and delighted to see a Common Sandpiper.
• A splendid Grey Wagtail also showed up.

A terrific day which fittingly ended with the dipper sighting, my 150 species of 2017