West coast surprises

The weather forecast for the North West part of the country said Sunny, and first thing it looked like they had got it right, although it was more like sun through cloud, plus a cold wind blowing.
     Anyway after walking the Westies and a couple of chores, I set off for the West coast,  heading  for Workington first, the tide was in and a first scan with bins didn't reveal much. The harbour entrance had a large flock of mixed gulls, no sign of Stumpy the Med gull. After a while I made my way along the jetty where I saw a few --------

Cormorants fly by in small groups,   and one

swimming around just off the jetty.

I was just about to leave when this flock of waders appeared from the end of the jetty, I couldn't tell whether they were Dunlin or Purple Sandpiper. after asking Craig Shaw (VIB) He told me they were Purps. so that came in handy for the year list.

 I was beginning to feel the cold, so headed off  to the relative shelter of Siddick ponds, after getting out of the car, I always check the small pond first, it being nearest to the car.  I couldn't believe the first thing my eyes alighted on, only an -------

Otter calmly swimming around and diving hunting for food

Its just unfortunate it wasn't closer to the camera, but even these shots where stretching my lens a bit.

 Unfortunately the Otter turned out to be the only thing of interest, so I moved on up the coast to Maryport, where I got good views across the outer Solway to Scotland ---

Looking over to Scotland

Close by the car a Black-headed Gull preened, and

Squawked

Looking South along the coast.

At this stage I decided I'd had enough of the cold and headed in the direction of home, but couldn't resist calling in at Soddy Gap on the way. It turned out there was more activity there than anywhere, as soon as I parked the car I had fleeting glimpses of Tree Sparrow, a Wren, and this little beauty---

Reed Bunting and it didn't seem to mind my presence

As I headed along the track towards the pond, I came across a flock of Goldfinch, unfortunately just as I was getting into them, from behind me came a jogger and the whole lot lifted never to be seen again. It was only when the whole flock lifted I realised how many there was, at least 200

Just a few of the flock, pre-jogger.

 Just after this I heard the sound of Geese calling, and what a sight when I looked up----

One of two batches of Pink footed Geese, these where in front of me, and there was another batch of equal size behind me, what a sight.

Good numbers of  Tufted Duck on the pond .

And Goosander numbers are building again.

Quite an enjoyable day.