Redshank

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 A bird that frequents the wetter and boggier places near us is the redshank. I see them often in the flooded fields this side of Kirkby Stephen and they breed at Tarn Sike reserve where I help out.


These waders gather at coastal sites during the winter but often breed on higher ground. Requirements for these birds are boggy areas where there is a combination of close cropped turf and mud for feeding and longer tussocky grass for nesting in. These birds are one of the commonest waders in N England and Scotland. Redshank are quick to take off when disturbed and have a very characteristic alarm call. As the birds fly away they often show a white patch on their backs. The stance taken by the bird in my photo is typical - they perch on posts or rocks and then take off in a fuss when you get too close.
Red shank obviously because of the red legs. There is a similar bird called a greenshank which is far less common near us but I see them on the Irish Sea coast.

                                                                                Diary
A series of Atlantic depressions has been sweeping in this weekend. My camera traps are showing overnight temps of 0C and day time temps are not into double figures. It is raining hard and there is a bitter Westerly wind. This is the coldest start to May I have experienced in this area. Last night's cameras showed roe deer and badger near the pond area and the bog meadow.

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