Titchfield Haven Shore and Titchfield Canal

Sunday 17 December

Raining sunrays over the Solent looking towards the Isle of Wight!

Dry but cool and cloudy as I drove over to Hill Head to return to the Meon shore by 9am in time for the low tide and chance to see a good spread of waders.  I was not to be disappointed.  A quick stop at the top of the cliff to check out the open water but so sign of yesterday's Great Northern Diver.  However, apart from the watching Woodpigeon, a small flock of Brent Geese nearer the shore along with many Oystercatchers, Redshanks and Turnstone.  Lots of Black-headed and a single Great Black-backed Gull.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Moving down to the shore line a better view of the above and then, once the car has been parked alongside the sea wall just past the boatyard, a sight of 33 Eiders out on the Solent.  Carrion Crows were flying around as I mad my way to the viewing point overlooking the lagoon and, approaching, I disturbed a Dunnock feeding on the interior path.  Not so many birds on this water but still a few Gadwall and Shoveler along with a number of Lapwing on the island.  A Little Grebe was feeding and then chance to is the scope to look further into the reserve.  As yesterday, almost an hundred resting Oystercatchers along with scores of both Lapwing and Wigeon and many Teal.  A few Black-tailed Godwits were noted and then the first of a dozen Canada Geese.

Eight of the thirty-three Eider Ducks Somateri mollissima

Moving around the harbour towards the sailing club I recorded many Mallard and Turnstones inside the harbour and even the female Goosander was still present and bust carrying out her ablutions. 

Female Goosander Mergus merganser

Checking the feeding gulls and waders I even manged to find a single Ringed Plover and a pair of Sanderling along with many more Oystercatchers and a few Redshank.

Record shot of distant Sanderling Calidris alba with Oystercatcher

Stopping a few minutes at the Visitors Centre just the odd House Sparrow but away in the reserve a distant Marsh Harrier resting on the reeds. Then it was back to the car with a final stop at the lagoon viewing point which revealed a Heron at the far end and as I was about to set off I also noted the Little Egret that had arrived at the far end.

Heron Ardea cinerea

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

And so on back to Titchfield for a two-hour stop at the Titchfield Canal.Changing into wellington boots for the walk down the, presumably, flooded footpath I had a Blackbird fly across in front of me and the I set up the scope to check the Bridge Street floods and meadow on the far side of the canal.  I could see a couple of Mute Swans but, first, decided to check the old, ruined tree and, sure enough, there was the resident Barn Owl once again happily resting at the entrance hole to its nest site.  (But with even more twigs blacking the view!)

Barn Owl Tyto alba

Back to the water where I confirmed one adult and two Mute Swan cygnets now almost moulted out of their baby brown feathers, along with a few Coot, Mallards and a couple of Gadwall.  Teals at the back and then a Pintail drifted into view and a pair of Canada Geese were also revealed.

Pintail Anus acuta

Moving on down the path I found my first Carrion Crows of the visit and then, having noted the many Wigeon on the Posbrook Floods I also, finally, recorded the first of a handful of Woodpigeon. Time to properly check out the water but, for me, no sign of the long-staying Glossy Ibis.  I did, however, find very many Pintail, Teal and Tufted Duck as well as a quartet of Shoveler to add to the previously seen Wigeon.  Amongst the very many resting Black-headed a small number of Herring Gulls.

Tufted Ducks Aythya fuligula

Further down the tarmac track I cam across the local Jackdaw flock and also found a lone Robin at the end.  Carefully checking the reedy grass at the water's edge I did find a handful of Black-tailed Godwits and then, noting the mass of feeding gulls in the horse field from the brick bridge over the canal I confirmed Black-headed along with more Jackdaws.  A house roof at the far side of the field held no less than thirty resting Rock Doves.  About to carry on when a Jay flew across the field.

Jackdaw Corvus monedula

Back to the car park, noting that a Great Black-backed Gull had now joined the gulls on the flood water, and scope returned to the car's boot, I took a walk along the road the check out the flooded areas either side of the river bridge abut only found a single Robin along with a couple of Magpies, but there was a foraging Oystercatcher!  Returning to the car, I then took a walk along the muddy track to the back of the water works building and recorded Great, Blue and Long-tailed Tits.

Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa

Birds seen:   

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Tufted Duck, Eider, Goosander, Little Grebe, Little Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Coot, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Lapwing, Sanderling, Black-tailed Godwit, Redshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Barn Owl, Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird, Long-tailed Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jay, Magpie, Jackdaw, Carrion Crow, House Sparrow.

Lapwing Vanellus vanellus

Goosander Mergus merganser with Mallard Anas platyrhynchos

Bathing Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus

Shoveler Anas clypeata

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Mean Harbour, Hill Head

Saturday 16 December

Lovely to have our friends from Spain, Steve and Elena Powell with us overnight on their journey back to the airport.  Come this morning it was damp and cloudy and none to warm but time to take all for a ride in the car and end up at the Meon shore at Hill Head.  A good hour spent there during which time we manage to record some great birds.  Not only Steve's first ride in an electric car but he also got chance to play with my Sony R10 Mk4 camera to check out its ease of use, etc.  So all photos below taken by Steve.

No sooner had we parked the car at the cliff top to check out the Solent than Steve had found a Woodpigeon upon which to focus and then below near the beach a small flock of Brent Goose and a gathering of Black-headed and a couple of immature Herring Gulls.  As a Cormorant flew past down Southampton Water very distant Great Northern Diver was found with the scope well out of the Solent.

Woodpigeon Columba palumbus

Taking the steps down to walk along the coastal footpath we then found a single Great Black-backed Gull whilst a Carrion Crow was curling away from us.  Approaching the harbour a female Goosander was seen to drift into same so we followed and managed to get a close sighting.

Goosander Mergus merganser (PHOTO: Steve Powel)

Meanwhile, lots of feeding activity from the resident Mallards and at least fifty Turnstone feeding below and on the path in front of us.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Next it was on to the viewing point overlooking the lagoon on the Titchfield Haven reserve where we quickly found many Shoveler and Gadwall along the a few Canada Geese, Lapwings and Coot but just the one Tufted Duck and Moorhen.

Using the cope to check out the distant water and banks within the reserve we found a resting flock of ninety Oystercatchers along with many Wigeon and a good number of Teal. A flock of twenty Curlew flew east and further into the reserve and a distant magpie was spotted.  Returning to the Visitors Centre for a coffee with the ladies we then added a handful of House Sparrows and a couple of Rock Doves few over. Whilst there we checked the Solent once again and manged to find three of the large flock of Eider Ducks that had been seen earlier in the day.  More Starlings in a neighbouring tree and then a lone Pied Wagtail on the path as we made our way back to the car, so finishing with a total of 28 species.

Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus (PHOTO: Steve Powel)

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Eider, Goosander, Great Northern Diver, Cormorant, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Lapwing, Curlew, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow.

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

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Sierra de Maria with the Arboleas Birding Group

Wednesday 13 December

What a way for Dave and his Arboleas Birding Group to end the year with so many fabulous birds.  Bonelli's Eagle, Griffon Vulture, Merlin, Black-bellied Sandgrouse, a range of tits and all other sorts.  talk about Christmas coming early! So it's now time for "own birding" as you await the coming year so, hopefully, spoilt by choice for both sites and species.  Here, back in the UK, the winter thrushes seem to be arriving in the deep south of Hampshire in growing numbers but reports of a possible Waxwing movement seem not to be occurring.  Fingers crossed that few Brambling might arrive before the end of the month otherwise, for me, it will be checking on the local long-staying Glossy Ibis and the lone female Long-tailed Duck over on Hayling Island.  Early days yet but the Short-eared Owls seem to have disappeared from the daily lists of sightings. 

So best wishes for the coming season and trust all members have a fabulous 2024 year of birding.

Sierra de Maria  -  Wednesday 13th December

Gilly and I left home and headed towards the Sierra de Maria.  As we were on the Granada bound motorway between Puerto Lumbreres and Velez Rubio, two Bonelli's Eagles glided over the road above us.  As we hadn't reached Los Velez's, the observation is for interest only on this report!

About 5km from Maria town, Gilly spotted 5 Griffon Vultures looming out of the low cloud above the mountain ridge.  We headed to the La Piza forest cafe, the meeting place, for a pre trip cup of coffee. The staff had added peanuts to the bird feeders, but I filled them to the top.  Richard, when he arrived with Peter, had bought some mealworms which he placed on a flat topped box.  As we arrived we saw Crossbills perched on a leafless tree.  The feeders were awash with Long Tailed Tits, some Crested Tits with the odd Coal, Blue and Great Tits. We were joined by Trevor and Alan.  En route Richard had logged Jackdaw, Chaffinch and Goldfinch.  A vibrant Siskin came to the water, spotted by Gilly.  Alan added a Robin. Richard added a Jay and Woodpigeon.

Crested Tit (PHOTO:David Elliott-Binns)

We commenced the loop.  We didn't see any birds as we traversed the forest area.  Once on the agricultural fields we came across a shrub with numerous Corn Buntings perched.  They flew off as we passed.  Another large flock of unidentified small birds  took off.  Gilly and I didn't find out that a Merlin, seen by Alan and Trevor behind us, had appeared causing the panicked exit.  We carried on, seeing Thekla Lark and numerous Magpies.  At the ruined buildings a Little Owl sat perched on a rock. There were flocks of Linnets and Goldfinches.  Alan added a Black Redstart.  We saw a Stonechat.  As we were nearing the cliff face, we saw two large birds of prey, flying still in the wind.  Thinking that wasn't vulture behaviour, we discovered that they were two Golden Eagles. 

Golden eagles (PHOTO:David Elliott-Binns)

To start with there was nothing on the cliff.  We walked to the far side.  Alan had a probable Rock Dove in flight.  A female Black Redstart appeared when we got back to the cars.  We headed off.  As we were getting close to the airstrip, we spotted two fast flying birds.  Black-bellied Sandgrouse.  They swung round low over the fields.  Others joined them.  At least 20 - 30 were seen.  By now it had began to drizzle. Luckily not snow.  We also saw Northern and Spotless Starlings, Mistle Thrushes and Collared Doves.  At the hamlet, Alan identified some Crested Larks.  Richard wasn't feeling well so he and Peter left for home.  Carrying on along the plain we saw an Iberian Grey Shrike.  At the water trough Alan spotted Serin, Rock Sparrow, Goldfinch and Linnets.  I had a Hoopoe.

Little Owl (PHOTO:David Elliott-Binns)

We returned to the forest cafe.  Saw more of the same whilst we ate lunch inside.  On the return trip to Velez Blanco we saw about 10 Griffon Vultures near the Forest Fire helicopter base, on a flight path from the " Grandma's  molar " mountain. 

We had a total of 40 species.  Some great birds today in good company.

Row of Long-tailed Tits (PHOTO:David Elliott-Binns)

Sending our best wishes to Tony and Kath. Hope Richard is also feeling better.

Attached is a photograph taken by a local of an Eagle Owl in Arboleas unused railway house.  Don't worry, there's open circular windows in the gable ends for exit & entry!

Eagle Owl (PHOTO:David Elliott-Binns)

This is our last trip of the year. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all in the Arboleas and Axarquia birding groups.

Regards, Dave & Gilly XX

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Isle of Wight Birding: Day 2

 Monday 11 December

Shalfleet Lake at the start of Newtown Nature Reserve with many Brent and Canada Geese

Monday morning started bright and sunny with almost clear blue skies.  dancing finished so time to go birding starting with a drive down to Ventnor then along to St Catherine's Point and on up to the north-west coast to visit both the Newtown nature reserve and nearby Yarmouth. having had to make a detour as a result of a major landslip approaching Ventnor we passed through the Niton area where we had the pleasure of seeing a Yellowhammer cross the narrow road in front of us. Between here and St Catherine's Point we also recorded many Carrion Crows and Rooks along with Woodpigeon, Herring Gulls and a resting Buzzard, possibly looking for worms on the flooded field. In the Chale area we also added Blackbird, Robin and Dunnock.

Newtown Marsh looking towards the quay

Then it was across country to the small hamlet of Newtown and its nature reserve. But first, as we approached the hamlet, a stop at Shalfleet Water which was still full of water with the tide just turned and many close Shoveler and Teal.  On the middle of the water itself very many Brent Geese and more on the filed to the left of the water.  This area also held the resting flock of Canada Geese and a single Lapwing walked amongst them. A little further to their left a score of feeding Curlew.

Feeding Curlews Numenius arquata

On the field to the right of the water a small number of feeding Carrion Crows and then the distant sight of a score or more Fieldfare feeding on the berries on the bushes.  Woodpigeons flew over followed by a small number of Jackdaw and upon revisiting the Canada Geese flock we also found a single Greylag Goose.  At this point, the Starling flock crossed the water and we continued the few hundred yards up the hill, noting a pair of Chaffinches, to enter the reserve near the tall hide.

Distant record shot of a Fieldfare Turdus pilaris

From the first floor of the hide a good view over the marshes and water with a few nearby Brent Geese along with a single Little Egret and a Redshank. To the right a distant Mute Swan and way further to my right a field of feeding Rooks before I took a circular walk to the estuary and Newtown Quay whilst Jenny made a muddy, but not so muddy as I was to make, walk back to the car. Once at the edge of the marsh I took the wooded causeway to the quay for a closer look at the nearby waders which included Curlew, Redshank and Oystercatcher. Also present a handful of Grey Plover and a pair of Shelduck.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

But, even better, as I rounded the small boatshed I found a Water Pipit feeding on the path in front of me which promptly flew across to the other side of the adjacent ditch.  Time to make my own way back to the car and approaching the vehicle I recorded a couple of Robin and a Song Thrush arrived on the  the bush in front of me.

Water Pipit Anthus spinoletta

Once on the reserve proper many Brent Geese plus Shelduck, Redshank, Grey Plover and Oystercatcher. But the pick of the day was surely the lone Water Pipit at the end of the long boardwalk. Arriving at Yarmouth with the tide almost out , the nearby creek at the back of the car park held very many Wigeon, and Black-tailed Godwits plus a sing Great Black-backed amongst the resting Black-headed Gulls Gulls. On the far bank Dunlin and Lapwing recorded plus a few Teal. Both Canada and Brent Geese present along with many Rooks and Carrion Crows plus a few Jackdaw. Even a Pied Wagtail put in a last minute appearance before we headed to Ryde for our final overnight.

Next a short stop at nearby Yarmouth where we were able to park at the side of the site with a clear view to the emptied channel below. Lots of resting Wigeon and Black-headed Gulls with a single Great Black-backed Gull.  This side of the channel a number of Black-tailed Godwits whilst the opposite bank provided many Dunlin.  A little further away a small number of Lapwing and a couple of Curlew. Then we suddenly became aware of the presence of both Canada and Brent Geese.  Whilst a lone Pied Wagtail foraged the field immediately in front of the car  we also noted the Jackdaws on the neighbouring properties and as we made our departure to head to Ryde for for our final night on the island we noted a mixed feeding flock of Carrion Crows and Rooks on the grassy area at the far side of the cark

Birds seen:

Greylag Goose, Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Mute Swan, Shelduck, Wigeon, Mallard, Teal, Little Egret, Buzzard, Oystercatcher, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Woodpigeon, Water Pipit, Pied Wagtail, Robin, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Fieldfare, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, Chaffinch, Yellowhammer.

Newtown Marsh from the tall hide

Newtown Creek from the boardwalk showing a few of the Dunlin Calidris alpina present

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Isle of Wight Birding: Day 1

 Saturday 9 December

Many ducks including Shoveler Anas clypeata, Pochard Aythya ferina and Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula

Arriving Friday for three days dancing in Sandown, Isle of Wight, Saturday saw us with a free afternoon so after a short visit to the nearby vineyard for a little sampling an buying we retuned to the hotel and then I took off to the nearby small lake on the north-eastern end of the town.  Lots of ducks at the far end, mainly Shoveler but also nor shortage of Pochard and a good number of Tufted Duck but just the occasional Mallard.

Tufted Duck A.fuligula with Common Pochard A.ferina

A score of Coots were paddling around the centre of the water along with a roosting Cormorant and nearer to me a Moorhen plus the gathered Black-headed Gulls. The occasional Jackdaw near the shore then a dozen Carrion Crows arrived once the visiting mother and toddler had distributed some bread.  This also brought in a couple of Herring Gulls to join in the feast in front of me. naturally, there were a few Rock Doves around and a couple of Woodpigeon flew over and away to the trees at the back.

Common Pochard Aythya ferina with Shoveler Anas clypeata

Checking my phone I found I was only less than twenty minutes away from the RSPB Brading Marshes reserve so in the car and off I went.  Arriving mid-afternoon I was immediately aware how wet the area was following all the recent rains so parked at the top of the track overlooking the water to my left. Lots of Wigeon on this water along with a trio of Curlew and many Black-headed Gulls.  At the back of the water a dozen or more feeding Carrion Crows and looking nearer to me, on the other side of a narrow island, I found a few Black-tailed Godwits.  No sooner had the Starling flock flown over than I checked the far left and found a score of Canada Geese and even a handful of Jackdaw.

Curlew Numenius Arquata

A walk along the track was finally halted before access to the path on the right leading to the far pool as the pool across the track was deeper then my walking boots so time to retrace my steps.  The large, flooded field on my left held a good number of Shoveler along with both a Cormorant and a Heron plus a dozen Mallard. It would appear the pair of Herring Gulls preferred to ne on their own rather than with their smaller cousins on the original water. A Magpie flew across the back of the water.

Pair of Shoveler Anas clypeata

Once back at the first water and my car I was able to check again and as well as a few Woodpigeon managed to record three quartering Marsh Harries on the far side but no sight of the visiting White-tailed Eagle that had been seen in the morning, according to the local birder who arrived at that time.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta 

Time to head back to Sandown but took the coastal road so I take a look at Brading Harbour now that the tide was fully out and duly found, as well as many Coot, a pair of Mute Swans and a single Little Egret.  On the shallow water, a handful of both Gadwall and Teal whilst on the muddy edges a number of Dunlin plus Redshank, Oystercatcher and Curlew. Finally, as I left to head home, a hovering Kestrel at the nearby grass airstrip.

Mute Swan Cygnus olor

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Marsh Harrier, Kestrel, Moorhen, Coot, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Black-tailed Godwit, Curlew, Redshank, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Rock Dove, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling.

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Warsash and Solent Shores

 Wednesday 6 December

Having had my thirty minute rest, I once more exited the house and headed down to the shore at Warsash to walk out to the Spit and along the Solent to the Meandering Pool before returning home.  A most enjoyable two-hour exercise and a good selection of birds as the water approached low tide.  Still a pale Sun but also the hint of a cold breeze even though the temperature had now climbed up to a magnificent 5 or 6C!

Once beyond the slipway a couple of Black-headed Gulls, Redshank and a small flock of about twenty Brent Geese. Passing the Strawberry Fields I noted the distant Carrion Crow in the trees at the top of the field whilst on the shore now many Redshank and a few Curlew and Oystercatchers.  Yet more Brent Geese.  Also noted the first of three Herring Gulls, a single Canada Goose and a couple of Grey Plovers.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Moving on beyond the School of Navigation pier, this exposed mud flat produced many more Brent Geese along with a very large flock of Dunlin.  A Kingfisher dashed across the shore in front of me and more scoping revealed Ringed Plover, a score of Turnstone, many Redshank, Oystercatchers and Grey Plover plus Curlew and Little Egret.  Even three Greenshank.

Continuing on towards the Spit a Moorhen crossed the narrow path in front of me and once out at the lee of the Spit even more Brent Geese and the main party of Wigeon, mainly resting on the banks and water's edge. As well as a couple or more Ringed Plovers, amongst the dozen or so Black-headed were three Common Gulls.  Looking out onto the Solent very many Carrion Crows and Oystercatchers on the exposed gravel along with a single Cormorant and on the water itself a couple of Great Crested Grebes.

Common Gull Larus canus

So on down to the Scrape recording both Robin and Blackbird as I passed through the small spinney, and then a pair of Stonechat on a bush approaching my destination . On the water forty Canada Geese along with a small number of both Mallard and Teal along with eight Pintail, and seven Shelduck.  Concealed at the back a couple of Snipe.

Pintail Anas acuta

Very little to see until I passed by the birdless gorse patch, albeit a couple of distant Magpies. Reaching the Meandering Pool more Snipe and a handful of Gadwall plus another Little Egret.  In the trees at the back a very small flock of resting Starlings atop a large tree and so to the return journey where a revisit to the Scrape produced both Little Grebe and a pair of Shoveler.  Continuing on back to the house with the tide now well out, most of the Dunlin had moved closer to the above mentioned pier but a Dunnock noted as I approached the School of Navigation and once back on the path between Strawberry Fields and the shore a trio of Robins and another couple of Stonechat.  Strange that no Black-tailed Godwits noted on either walk this morning.  Nevermind, "Where have all the flowers gone," where have all the godwits gone?

Birds seen:

Canada Goose, Brent Goose, Shelduck, Gadwall, Wigeon, Mallard, Shoveler, Teal, Pintail, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Snipe, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Common Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Kingfisher, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Blackbird, Magpie, Carrion Crow, Starling.

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Lower Hamble River, Warsash

Curlew Numenius arquata

 Wednesday 6 December

A calm start with a little broken cloud with hazy sunshine and the forecast suggesting that this might be the only dry day of the week.  No surprise, therefore, that I was out of the house by 9 to take a walk up the Hamble River to the conservation area and back before returning home for a coffee and, all being well, setting off on the second walk of the morning in the opposite direction, as will be told later. With low tide at 11.30 it was perfect birding as the birds were still relatively close and the wonder of the double tide in Southampton water is that whilst it only takes three hours to fall, it takes double the time to return to the high water mark.

Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula

No sooner on the riverside path than both a Black-headed Gull and Little Egret feeding together which led to me finding both Redshank and Ringed Plover with a lone Heron watching over the proceedings before reaching the ferry access. Just beyond the first of the Turnstones along with the first of the Wigeon of the morning.  Even more Wigeon at the first bay along with  Herring Gull, Curlews and Grey Plovers. A shame that the low, bright sun prevented better photographs.

Wigeon Anas penelope

Moving round the bend I came across the feeding flock of approximately 120 Dunlin accompanied by another Curlew and a few more Grey Plovers.  On the water itself a trio of Little Grebe and on the far bank a dozen resting Teal.  Meanwhile, on the meadows on the other side of the path, a pair of Greenshank, a few more Redshank and yet more Grey Plovers.

Dunlin Calidris alpina

Hundred plus Dunlin Calidris alpina and the lone Curlew Numenius arquata

Having come across another large flock of Dunlin I also found a couple of Oystercatchers on the inland side of the path and at the water's edge the fist of the two score Brent Geese I was to see during the walk.

Brent Geese Branta bernicla

Once I reached the conservation area I found a very large flock of resting Wigeon along with another Little Egret and Greenshank plus a few Black-headed Gulls.  A Cormorant was resting atop a post as I arrived.

Little Egret Egretta garzetta

It was as I made my back along the path that I first saw the Carrion Crows and almost immediately a single Magpie and eighteen Woodpigeons in the trees at the back of the meadow.  On the large muddy waste of the meadow a trio of Shelduck seemed to be sleeping as they awaited the returning tide.

Teal Anas crecca with Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola behind

Birds seen:

Brent Goose, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Little Egret, Heron, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Grey Plover, Dunlin, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Turnstone, Black-headed Gull, Herring Gull, Woodpigeon, Magpie, Carrion Crow.

Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola

Heron Ardea cinerea

Turnstone Arenaria interpres

Little Grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis

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