Tiny Dancers, Friday 21st April 2023

On Thursday 20th April there hassle been an impressive east bound movement of Little Gulls along the Mersey Valley, but none were found on the local meres or my newish patch at Rudheath. An adult and 2cy Mediterranean Gulls were welcome at the latter though, and copulating Ringed Plovers a good sign. 

Same for first thing Friday morning, but by late morning reports started coming through of flocks on most of the larger water bodies, including Budworth Mere. Numbers fluctuated throughout the afternoon, so I headed to the yacht club to make use of the jetties (at least until I was chucked off again).

There were around 22 birds when I arrived, dancing over the water as only Little Gulls can. After about 45 minutes most birds had spiralled off north eastwards, leaving just two. I walked back to the car, only to turn around and see another 7-8 birds, presumably there had been a substantial turnover throughout the day.