Isle of Harty day 2 (21st July)

It was my dads 50th birthday today so we had friends and family over for a long party which lasted for much of the day.  I did however escape the havoc for a short period of time by paying a short visit in the early morning and another visit near the end of the day to check the mudflat at the pier.  In total, I recorded 2 Avocet, 1 Marsh Harrier, 2 Whimbrel.  All the party guests, me included also paid a brief visit to the sea at Leysdown, from the car I saw at least 3 Marsh Harriers at the Capel Fleet raptor watchpoint so definitely worth a visit later on in our stay.  The garden produced even more goodies later in the day and amongst the 100+ Black-headed Gulls which came to feed in the stubble field there were 6 MEDITERRANEAN GULLS (3ad. sum., 2 ad. win., 1 juv.).  The Turtle Dove was once again purring at the farm and another Marsh Harrier appeared.  Also of note was a single Red Admiral, followed by another brief visit down to the pier.  Just 1 Whimbrel, 1 Marsh Harrier and 2 Mediterranean Gulls (1ad. sum, 1juv.) of note (most likely the same birds that had departed earlier from the fields neighbouring the house).  Much later in the even, after taking a break from the games room I wondered towards the barn and was thrilled to see an adult Barn Owl swoop out of the main barn doors.  It was evidently breeding as I could still hear the hissing from a young Barn Owl coming from the barn (what a garden bird)!

Ferry Inn Pier

ad. sum. and ad. win. Mediterranean Gull
 

juv. Mediterranean Gull

Red Admiral