Wednesday 25th February

A pair of Shoveler in The Bight were the highlight of a low high tide with many waders roosting on uncovered sandbars elsewhere in the estuary. Counts included 145 Common and a Mediterranean Gull, 77 Redshank, 59 Turnstone, 14 Ringed and a Grey Plover, eight Teal and seven Greenshank. 

The 2CY Little Gull was still offshore with 16 Great Crested Grebe, eight Common Scoter, three Great Northern and two Red-throated Diver. Elsewhere eight Lesser Black-backed Gull flew north, the Cetti's Warbler was around the Car Park with five Goldcrest and three Chiffchaff around the flooded scrub. 

Other Wildlife: With warmer temperatures Small Sand Ant Lasius psammophilus activity is increasing on the Dune Ridge. The small entrance burrows are often visible on open sand, although the species was overlooked until last year. Other dune specialists included Dune Scarab Aegialia arenarius and the small ground beetle Amara tibialis.

Small Sand Ant Lasius psammophilus - Alan Keatley

Amara tibialis - Alan Keatley

Dune Scarab Aegialia arenarius - Alan Keatley

A couple of Peacock butterflies were on the wing along with the hoverfly Spotted Thintail Meliscaeva auricollis and a Green Shieldbug.

Spotted Thintail Meliscaeva auricollis - Alan Keatley

Green Shieldbug - Alan Keatley

Elsewhere a Harbour Porpoise was off Langstone Rock and Common Toad were chorusing at the First Pond.