January 2008
Chambers wall to Coldharbour
06/01/08
Herring Gull
A change of venue this morning, and along with Ray Clarrie and Jim Johnson, we parked our cars, and walked down the concrete road towards the Wantsum fisherman’s car park. 3 Stonechats were noted, part of a mornings total of 8, and Blackbirds, Thrushes and 20+ meadow Pipits were seen, as we made our way to the train crossing, and on to the Cold harbour Lagoon. There were 7 Little Grebes in the Lagoon, along with Redshank, Grey Plover, 3 Dunlin and a solitary Ringed Plover. We then spent an hour and a half on the beach, looking out over the sea, as the tide reached its highest point. Between us we noticed at least 20 Red Throated Divers, some flying both East and West, with at least 10 on the sea, 3 Great Crested Grebes flying East, and 8 on the Sea, plus 6 Guillemots passed, 2 West and 4 East. A steady flow of Cormorants flew by, and a pair of Eiders were noticed on the sea, a Drake and Duck, with 2 Shelduck seen a little further West, towards the towers. There was a large flock of Oyster catchers that flew East, and Gulls seen were Black-headed, Herring, Common and Great Black-backed. Jim noticed a King fisher but disappointingly, a Kestrel was the only Raptor seen. 3 more Little Grebes were seen in the dyke as we left, and a Green Sandpiper was flushed from the dyke by our cars, as we left for home. A total for the 3 hours out this morning was 42, counting the Green Sandpiper, not many, but was made up with some quality birds, and excellent company.