24th July 2022

 Weather: SSW force 4     breezy but mild

Present this morning were about 350 Black-headed Gull on the shore and amongst them early morning was a first summer Mediterranean Gull. The other highlight of the morning was a Common Sandpiper bobbing on the rocks down the east side, although it soon disappeared before closer photos could be obtained.

 

There were over 500 Sandwich and 100 Common Tern, many of which were feeding young between the islands as the tide ebbed this morning.

Some of the Turnstones present were in summer plumage.

A good count for autumn was a total of 15 Whimbrel, other waders on the shore were 14 Curlew, 14 Ringed Plover and 250 Dunlin. Two Swifts flew south, which were the only obvious small migrants this morning, a Peregrine flew off the west side. The fresh south westerly raised hopes of Shearwaters etc but just 20 distant Gannets represented the sea birds. A Red Admiral and 4 Small White butterflies flew, braving the windy conditions.

photos AEH