Despite the blustery weather we had a good turn out for our first Beginners Wader Watch event on Sunday 19th November.
At La Rocque we were sheltered from the wind and rain, and the café being open was an added bonus for everyone. Great hot chocolate!
The seaweed above the tideline was busy with Pied Wagtail, Rock Pipit, Turnstone and Starling all feeding on small insects and crustaceans.
Close in we had great views of both adult and juvenile Dark-bellied Brent geese, whilst further out to sea were Great Crested Grebe, Slavonian and Black-necked Grebe and Great Northern Diver.
Great Northern Diver photo by Romano Da Costa
A few of the group ventured to the end of the pier, which was far too windy for any birdlife to be nearby, however looking out over the rough seas we did find Gannet, Sandwich Tern and a few Gulls.
Oystercatcher, Grey Plover and Sanderling formed some fairly large flocks, twisting and turning above the waves in the almost sunlight.
Photos of group and La Rocque Harbour by Alli Singleton.
The Ornithology Section plan to repeat this event monthly throughout the winter, so watch this space!
