The weather was a big let down on the visit to this new site for our Bird Group. We managed to choose the first really wet day for some weeks so a coffee break in cars or cafe was extended to nearly lunch time!
Glasson Dock Foreshore. Photo K Goodings
Glasson Dock is at the end of the Lancaster canal where it enters the Lune estuary and the Glasson Marina and is still a small working dock. There are several information boards explaining the history and nature of the area, a smokehouse, a good car park toilets and cafe so all needs provided for even in the rain.
Information Board Glasson Dock. Photo K Goodings
Sadly, the thing missing was birds! Only Mallard in eclipse were on the marina, Black-headed Gulls in the empty dock, one Black-backed Gull and an occasional Heron looking very wet and sorry for itself.
We had arrived at low tide so there were plenty of birds on the Lune estuary, but a bit far away and too wet for the telescope, though recognisable as Redshank Lapwing and more Gulls with the occasional Cormorant.
It was too wet to take the 20-minute walk along the estuary side to Conder Green so we drove round instead. Here we walked onto the bridge over the Lune end, but it was pretty full of rain water after the heavy showers so only a few Redshank and Oystercatchers. On the hot sunny recce, the muddy base of the Lune was full of birds hunting the food at a similar state of tide.
River Lune estuary at low tide. Photo K Goodings
Only about 20 species were seen on a dispiriting visit, but it has wetted our appetite for a repeat visit when more Ducks and Waders have returned from their Summer trips. However, it is a fascinating area to visit whatever your interest but do check tide times, previously I have been held up on the road waiting for the Spring tide to retreat and allow passage!
Josephine Drake
