14th October 2024

 Weather: ESE force 4

The morning tide promised much with the wind in the east and south but it turned out to be one of the quietest bird days for some time. A Peregrine gave the members something to look at as it took a wader and was followed by a couple of gulls.

The only visitors were 2 passing Skylarks and a Goldfinch. Shelduck were scattered all over our part of the estuary, over 500 birds as the tide ebbed, while 3 of our Eiders showed. A Black-tailed Godwit landed on the ridge south of Middle with the Oystercatchers, but immediately adopted a very disappointing pose for the camera.

Very few small waders are around at the moment except for about 80 Redshank and over 100 Turnstone. A single Red-throated Diver, 4 Great Crested Grebes and 200 Common Scoter were spotted on the sea. There were 5 Little Egret including the colour ringed 'TA'.

 A Grey Seal lounged on the island rocks while the island was almost deserted.

 Photos CJ, SRW