Sunday 13th August

Sea defence works along on the dune ridge continue to restrict access to the hide and Warren Point.  The golf course is not a public right of way.  Please follow signs and access guidance from staff.

The juv White-winged Black Tern performed well in front of the hide and main channel throughout the late-morning and lunchtime when it even did a spell of anting over the estuary.

     White-winged Black Tern (Lee Collins)

Despite occasional disruptions from kayakers, paddle-boarders and para-gliders enjoying the beautiful weather, counts managed during the late-morning high tide were 1028 Oystercatcher, 439 Curlew, 221 Dunlin, 124 Ringed Plover, 22 Cormorant and Bar-tailed Godwit, 17 each Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Black-tailed Godwit and Sanderling, 10 Little Egret, eight Whimbrel, four Grey Heron, three Turnstone and Greenshank, a Common Sandpiper and a summer-plumaged Knot. A Common Snipe flew over. 

Again about a third of the 140 Sandwich Tern present were juveniles.  The Irish-ringed Little Tern and c.30 Common Tern were also in front of the hide.  All age-classes were represented in the 11 Mediterranean Gull roosting in the saltmarsh.  

Over 60 Swallow, two Swift and a Sand Martin zoomed around to prey on flying ants.  Only standard fare in the bushes this morning, 14 Chiffchaff, 11+ Reed Warbler, eight Blackcap, seven Bullfinch, six Whitethroat, three Willow Warbler and three Wheatear.  The Stonechat family of six remained along the ridge and a scattering of Cirl Bunting were as usual.

Wildlife News: Lesser Centuary was flowering in open areas of Greenland Lake.  A few Emperor and Common Darter dragonflies patrolled the dunes and slacks.