Autumnal Signs

Nice to catch an August Wheatear in the fresh plough...

An amazing double occurrence on Scilly yesterday. Birders twitching the RED-FOOTED BOOBY found a BROWN BOOBY at the same location. What a moment that must have been! This contrasts dramatically with Sunday when the day trippers dipped. The two extremes of Twitching right here.

Scilly ain't what it used to be?!!!

Here and There

Steady week but always something of interest in this wonderful pastime. 

Remarkable numbers of Gulls, Terns, Waders (in flight) and Auks offshore at the moment providing constant entertainment. I also popped over to Duff for a few hours yesterday...

Path cleared

...and added Mistle Thrush to the Year List (98). I messaged Haydn to see if he was about; he was on Skippy (there's a shock) so I decided to join him...

The Heather looked a picture

We did have a stroll down Sands Lane but nothing of note was seen, although we did hear a close by Green Woodpecker briefly. He mentioned that his main aim this Autumn was to add Whinchat to his Life List for the Common. Guess what...this morning he found one...

He also had a Redstart...

and a Spotted Flycatcher...

Inland Patch Birding at its best and just reward for all his hard work. About time I found some migrants here! Starting tomorrow...

Booby Prize (2)

A title with a different slant...thankfully!!!

I spent Saturday ruminating over the possibility of an attempt, despite no news coming through either way because of Storm Betty that past through the Western Approaches on Thursday/Friday. A boat attempted to check the Bishop Rock Lighthouse on Saturday lunchtime but it had to turn back due to the 5m+ swell! So, it would be a gamble...in more ways than one...if you get my drift! Would the Storm have moved it on? I made some communications with Steve and Haydn and made arrangement for Bud. Also, I had FULL backing from "The Boss"...goes without saying...BUT I better say it! 

I still wasn't sure as Saturday evening approached.

Further messages meant I would be on my own (Billy no mates) but Bud was sorted due to a kind neighbour...so...it was game ON!!! It was "possible".

I left around 9pm and thankfully had a clean, quiet run to Gloucester Services arriving at 1am where I grabbed a couple of hours (3 hour free parking and a superb stop off if you're ever passing). Again, no closures or hold ups allowing me to reach a lay-by on the A30 just West of Exeter around 4.30; again, I grabbed a couple of hours (I'm knocking on a bit). Despite road improvements (much appreciated in the long run) creating an interesting slalom course in West Cornwall, I reached Penzance (428 miles) in plenty of time around 8. A long pull but the V70 (2002 vintage) helps. After the obligatory McDonald's sausage muffins (no egg) to settle the stomach (?), I parked up a pre-planned side street (I didn't get where I am today..."CJ off Reginald Perrin"...for those of a certain age...by paying unnecessary parking charges) and headed the short distance to the Quay...glancing at the sea as I went?

There she was...my Nemesis!

32 Years since my first "unforgettable" trip in a force 8!

Obviously this was a gamble...I wondered how many more would "roll the dice"? Would there be at least 20 to fill the boat out to the Lighthouse?..

Answer...

We were well into 3 figures!

A Pelagic was leaving St Mary's at 8am so theoretically we should get news before we left at 9.15? We did...and in was in the affirmative! 

 *** THAT was the key moment for me...and we ALL deserved that feeling...for gambling ***

Jeopardy

Still no guarantees of course...but it was looking good due to its pattern of behaviour previously. I have to admit, I did have a moment of discreet self-congratulation for making the journey. Who dares...and other such cliches. I also wondered if any Birders would have disembarked if the Bird wasn't present? I would have stayed as it could have turned up later and besides, I might get my FEA'S-type PETREL...or something...else? With so many looking, there was a decent chance.

I recognized a few familiar faces and had a few chats as we sailed West in a thankfully moderate sea...

Fret over Land's End

I'd done a couple of Pelagics on the Ship in the 90's during family holidays in Cornwall, to try and get my Wilson's Petrel. I succeeded on the latter but I never saw one large Shearwater on either trip. Today all that changed. We were accompanied almost constantly by Cory's, some quite close. We also had a few Greats, plenty of Manx and a distant Sabine's Gull "flock"!!!

SIX

Obviously different birds were being picked up by different Birders at various spots around the Ship. Other Species I heard called were Balearic Shearwater, Storm Petrel and Grey Phalarope. No doubt there were others but nothing Rare...as far as I'm aware?!

We reached St Mary's Harbour around 11.45 where two boats organised by Joe Pender (thanks Joe) were waiting for us...

The troops

It felt strange to be here in August? Once loaded up we turned West out of the Quay and headed for Bishop Rock, which according to Google Maps is c6 miles WSW. The sea was still lively as we headed out BUT because of the "anticipation factor" I somehow wasn't concerned and felt OK.

The target...

160 feet

As you can see the Weather was great but the Sea wasn't! Definitely some "lag" after the Storm!  Birders started to scan and take pics with their long lenses...

Some said they could see it on the North side. I was sitting put till we got within range. Sure enough the RED-FOOTED BOOBY was on the netting...preening. Relief!

Definitely NOT an anti-climax BUT expected.  I'm sure you can imagine that getting a photo was going to be a challenge as the boat bobbed around like a cork in a rough sea. I was still OK at this point...if anyone's interested? lol!

First Grab...

Both boats spent the next 30 minutes or so circling the Lighthouse allowing Birders to try and get better views and photos. It was hard work but good fun as we circled the Lighthouse...I think! As time passed I started to "feel it" somewhat. Looking around the boat I could see I wasn't alone. However, I was determined to make the most of the situation and I eventually got great views and a few decent pics. Unfortunately we didn't get a flight view.

We were unlucky in some respects because as well as the rough sea it was stood on top of the netting and was preening most of the time...

As we pulled away it became apparent we weren't heading directly back to St Mary's. The chap next to me said "we must be doing a Pelagic". I tried to look pleased and replied "great"? I then made a decision not to let my nausea spoil this opportunity as it may never happen again for me. Those who know...know! We were surrounded by rafts of Cory's Shearwaters (wonder if there was a Scopoli's among them?..more on that in a later post) and I was determined I was going to enjoy them. OK, I still struggled BUT I like to think I made the best of it. I even managed a few pics despite the crowded boat and the swell...

Western Rocks in the distance

Click the pic

 Definitely a BIG bonus to the Twitch...I think you would agree. Further enhanced with a Wilson's Storm-Petrel to gain a Scilly Tick!

We eventually returned to the Harbour (thankfully), queued up and boarded the Scillonian again. Off one boat straight onto another!? Thankfully the deck felt solid as a rock after the trip to the Lighthouse and there were no issues as we returned to Penzance. The sea wasn't as busy but there was an increase in Great Shearwaters (c30) passing ...

...a fine spectacle indeed. An added bonus was superb views of Bottlenose Dolphins following the Ship. My best ever views. Brilliant!

The journey was concluded with a nice atmospheric view of Saint Michael's Mount...

I made the walk back to my car (enjoying the stability!) The journey home was a slow one (after c8 hours out on the Briny). I made a couple of stops and finally landed at 6am Monday.

Another Species from Latitudes further South reaches our shores...well nearly! IMHO there's no doubt Climate change is playing a part in these records.

So, there we are, another successful Twitch and a great Adventure to boot. Slightly late to the Party again (as I was with the BLACK-WINGED KITE) due to "unavoidable circumstances" but the Birding Gods smiled down on me...again. I like to think I deserved it...but then I would, wouldn't I! Nice to know I can still "manage it"...a Twitch that is! (Fawlty Towers reference). Another BIG bonus was that it took place at my favourite destination and I managed a forced Pelagic, which turned out to be Spectacular! Not a "Rush Bird" but yet another great memory to look back on. I'll be back on October 13th...if not before?

RED-FOOTED BOOBY - A Life Bird

High Fliers

Don't forget the "Air Space". Village interior, West to Snakey Lane, South to Cliff Farm and North to the (old) Sewage...oh and East out to Sea!

Calls help, especially with small waders cutting across to the Humber...or visa versa!A couple off peeps this morning had me scanning high...eventually I picked up a couple of Ringed Plovers way up high. Great clarity from the "Trinnies", giving clear views of the field marks. Yesterday a series of quick, identical notes had me looking for Whimbrel...again I scanned high and eventually picked a couple up, again VERY high...

This bird was a dot, so chuffed with the Lumix to produce this image.

Onto the beach off School Lane. Two Gulls on the Beach...

Even at some distance they looked "different". I'd "had" a Mediterranean Gull in exactly the same spot (well pretty close!) a few days previous...and here it...or another...was again...

Oystercatchers still passing South but I couldn't find anything "with them" this time...they were all in the air!

BOOBY Prize

13.09 Isles of Scilly No sign of the Red-footed Booby on Bishop Rock Lighthouse early afternoon

Yet another one slips away, I really am getting slack! Fortunately, I can keep things in perspective. Rudyard Kipling and all that. As previously posted, I'm as determined as any "Twitcher" BUT I have priorities and commitments. I can't just...GO...at least not all the time. ASAP still applies.

23 Years teaching and I never played truant for a Bird. Nowadays I do have more time BUT I still have responsibilities that I am more than happy to fulfill. In fact, it enhances my prospective of my overall Birding philosophy.  Availability is the key word I guess. Am I convincing you? lol!

I'd arranged to go on Sunday with my pal Haydn and hopefully connect on a day trip. I'd have loved to have shared the moment with him and possibly Steve Lawton but it wasn't to be. Without sounding like "sour grapes" (hopefully) the "all turn up and see it" type of twitch isn't one of my favourites (more a relief than an adrenaline rush), especially at distance BUT a "tick's a Tick" and "they're all one". That's enough cliches!

There'll be another...

p.s. There is a slim chance the bad weather has played a part. I'll hang onto that for a day or two. Maybe it will end up on the Mainland, which would be handy!

Circumstances

For completeness! Last night...

20.34: Isles Of Scilly RED-FOOTED BOOBY on Bishop Rock Lighthouse

This one was easy? A none starter due to current circumstances. Obviously disappointed but I can handle it...I'll have too lol! Again, I'm writing this as a kind of therapy as I did when initially dipping the BLACK-SHOULDERED KITE. That one ended well...maybe this one will...but I'm out of the crazy game till next week?

A few appointments and a large German Shepherd are commitments I'm happy to honour. The Big Man has turned 12 now and he's wobbling a bit...like his owner! He's still to strong for Louise and I'm reluctant to bung him in the Kennels, not that there'd be a space in August.

As I write the bird is still on the Lighthouse which means it would be a day twitch...enhanced by a FEA'S-type PETREL...which I also still "need"! Never mind!

There...that's out of my system. Just thought I'd share that with you!!

......................................................................................

On a local level, I added Black-tailed Godwit (H.110) and Arctic Tern (P.129, H.111) to the Year List yesterday evening....and this afternoon a decent number of dapper Oystercatchers went South, close off shore (c200) and included 3 Bar-tailed Godwits (H.112)...

...and a Redshank...

Always check every flock

A small group of Scoter (still haven't found a Velvet) rested on the sea...

...and there were a few Guillemots scattered about also. I also saw what was almost certainly the same Peregrine heading West down Seaside.

Stubble

 Not for me...I always shave...

Always a significant moment in the Birding Calendar; the beginning of "Autumn" for me. It's also easier to walk the Patch, although I'd much prefer it as it was in the past with smaller fields and more hedgerows. A bird flew, then landed and I could actually see it...

Meadow Pipit

A look over the Cliff...one bird...

Mediterranean Gull

Returning juvenile Willow Warblers are in evidence now. I've even had a couple of the yellow jewels from my armchair! One from the Cliff...

Flocks of Terns are also starting to head South and occasionally rest at low tide. Always an interesting challenge. Things are picking up...

...........................................................................................

A touch of self-indulgence...

On Saturday I was over in Bury doing a few jobs for my Mother. It got to 4pm and I decided on a whim to walk the cobbled streets (where I used to play as a lad) to Gigg Lane, home of the mighty "Shakers"...

You may know the tragic story of the unjust demise of this historic Club (1885)? Thankfully they are now back "home" albeit 6 levels lower! As I entered the Stand I was blown away by the attendance (4,115). I eventually found a seat and enjoyed a nostalgic 30 minutes remembering how the ground used to look as a lad. Obviously many changes BUT it's the same site... and the pitch looked fabulous...

A just reward for all the efforts put in by many volunteers over the past 2 years. I also bumped into a couple of old pals and had a lovely, if brief chat about times gone by. Loved it all, except the 3-1 defeat...that, to be honest, somehow didn't matter? I would have liked to have taken my Mother, who used to come to watch me every game many Years ago...but she just wasn't up to it, unfortunately.

Up the Shakers!!!

Incidental

As eBird would say.

It felt like I was cheating with today's significant sightings...but I'll take them!

Louise came home for lunch and we had the novelty of sitting in the garden. A few Gulls (6) drifted over, nothing special there... except they were ALL Mediterranean!!! A decent garden record...how times change.

The evening stroll to the Cliff with my lad was livened up considerably when a Peregrine soared over the Cliff Paddock. I reached for my camera but it had vanished?

Brightened up a slow day...

FOY Skua

Lovely morning here, which is a novelty recently! A stroll to the "second pill" revealed...nowt. We stood for a good 45 minutes enjoying the fresh air in the sunshine. I scanned regularly but the sea was "dead". Until...2 Arctic Skuas (P.128, H.109) materialized by the Yellow Buoy off the Sewage albeit briefly, harassing  a couple of Herring Gulls. It was all over in seconds and I couldn't relocate them as they probably rested again on the water. A juvenile Guillimot riding the impressive waves...

...and a family of Greenfinches (6) added further interest on the return leg.

Cattle Egret - York Area 237

You may (or may not) recall I recently totted up my York Area List at the request of Jono Leadley who's the "Big Cheese" over there these days. When I'd completed it, I was surprised at my Total...good fun though and some (mainly) great memories.

At the risk of seeming smug (would I?), the Species on the full list that stood out which I still "needed"... was Cattle Egret. A Bird had been present at Fairburn Ings for a while, so I was hoping it (or another) may stray further East?

Yesterday...

13:55 North Yorkshire, Cattle Egret, Bolton Percy Ings

There you go...and I did! A nightmare journey through Hull ensued as the endless roadworks continue (to be fair it's usually not that bad). Myton Bridge is under repair so my (usually) trusty Google Maps sent  me an "interesting" route through some previously unexplored areas of this substantial City. Eventually I was on the A1079 heading for York. Having lived in the York Area for 26 years I like to think I have a good grasp of the local Geography. Yesterday I found out otherwise as I tried to negotiate the narrow, ridiculously winding minor roads around the SW of the City. Somehow I ended up at a large function in Copmanthorpe (usually trusty!). A quick re-route had me winding again towards Bolton Percy...hopefully?

Eventually I made it to Marsh Lane, the quality of the road deteriorating by the yard. I could see another car further down with its reverse lights on...I was thinking...Birder! We both eventually found a spot to park. I got my gear and introduced myself, sure enough it was a Birder called Dave Ward from Wakefield with the same idea.

I rang Jono and he confirmed we were in the right spot (always good to know). We scanned from a gateway which gave a decent view of the Ings although there were many mature trees obscuring some of the view. After 10 minutes we decided to split up. I tried another gate entrance which gave a slightly more open view of some of the water, although much of the Ings was still out of view over the field edge.  I scanned...Little Egret...Little Egret...CATTLE EGRET!!! 

I took a couple of record shots (always a good idea)...

THAT moment

I then alerted Dave who came promptly up the lane. We scanned again...but it was gone!? All over in a minute.

I helped Dave look for the Bird for quite a while but we couldn't re-locate it unfortunately. I wished him luck, then headed for home. The intense downpours I travelled through on my return emphasized my good fortune.

A brilliant twitching scenario. A difficult site - a re-location - a brief sighting - a quality addition. I much prefer this to a "turn up and all have a look"! Tough on Dave though. At time of writing it hasn't been seen again.

YORK AREA LIFE 237

A bonus atmospheric evening image North of Seaside on the Dog Walk...

cc Marsh Harrier

Always take...

Year Listing

A focus of most Birders. It could be anything from Garden to World, I guess! Personally, I've never done a British Year List, in fact I've only "broken" 200 twice in 2002 (224) and 2004 (269) when I also did a Yorkshire List (266/7). The 3 I twitched (in case you were wondering) were...

CREAM-COLOURED COURSER

OVENBIRD

MASKED SHRIKE

Not a bad trio to roam for, I think you'd agree. Time has marched on and so has Taxonomy making comparisons impossible.

As I watch yet more precipitation through the lounge window I thought I'd fire up the "Old Thunderer" and see what my remaining targets are for 2023. As always my main focus will be on Holmpton and Duff. 

So, the Village first...

Species not seen this Year - from my Life List

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
Bewick's Swan (Cygnus columbianus bewickii)
Whooper Swan (Cygnus cygnus)
Taiga Bean Goose (Anser fabalis)
Tundra Bean Goose (Anser serrirostris)
European White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)
Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)
Gadwall (Anas strepera)
Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata)
Northern Pintail (Anas acuta)
Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)
Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula)
Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)
Common Eider (Somateria mollissima)
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
Goosander (Mergus merganser)
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
Red-necked Grebe (Podiceps grisegena)
Cory's Shearwater (Calonectris diomedea)
Sooty Shearwater (Puffinus griseus)
Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus)
Balearic Shearwater (Puffinus yelkouan mauretanicus)
European Shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis)
Little Egret (Egretta garzetta)
Great White Egret (Casmerodius albus)
Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea)
Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Red Kite (Milvus milvus)
White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Water Rail (Rallus aquaticus)
Avocet (Recurvirostra avosetta)
Grey Plover (Pluvialis squatarola)
Red Knot (Calidris canutus)
Ruff (Philomachus pugnax)
Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus)
Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola)
Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa)
Bar-tailed Godwit (Limosa lapponica)
Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos)
Pomarine Skua (Stercorarius pomarinus)
Arctic Skua (Stercorarius parasiticus)
Long-tailed Skua (Stercorarius longicaudus)
Great Skua (Catharacta skua)
Yellow-legged Gull (Larus cachinnans [argentatus])
Caspian Gull (Larus argentatus cachannins)
Black-legged Kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla)
Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii)
Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)
Little Auk (Alle alle)
Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica)
Ring-necked Parakeet (Psittacula krameri)
Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)
Hoopoe (Upupa epops)
Shore Lark (Eremophila alpestris)
Tree Pipit (Anthus trivialis)
Rock Pipit (Anthus petrosus [spinoletta])
Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)
Black Redstart (Phoenicurus ochruros)
Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)
Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra)
Ring Ouzel (Turdus torquatus)
Sedge Warbler (Acrocephalus schoenobaenus)
Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)
Garden Warbler (Sylvia borin)
Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus)
Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)
Firecrest (Regulus ignicapillus)
Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa striata)
Red-breasted Flycatcher (Ficedula parva)
Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca)
Coal Tit (Parus ater)
European Jay (Garrulus glandarius)
Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla)
Twite (Carduelis flavirostris)
Lesser Redpoll (Carduelis flammea cabaret)
Mealy Redpoll (Carduelis flammea flammea)
Common Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)
Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula)
Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes)
Lapland Bunting (Calcarius lapponicus)
Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis)

My best Total was 138 in 2020. My current Year Total is 108. Erring on the cautious side as always, I've highlighted the Species I feel I should add. This would bring me to 137. Hopefully a few surprises (including PALLAS'S WARBLER) might mean I make 140 for the first time. I know this is a meagre total compared with down...and up...the road...but that doesn't concern me.

Over to Duff...

Species not seen this Year...from my Life List

Bewick's Swan (Cygnus columbianus bewickii)
Taiga Bean Goose (Anser fabalis)
Tundra Bean Goose (Anser serrirostris)
Pink-footed Goose (Anser brachyrhynchus [fabalis])
European White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons)
Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)
Dark-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla)
Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus)
American Wigeon (Anas americana)
Garganey (Anas querquedula)
Common Pochard (Aythya ferina)
Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris)
Greater Scaup (Aythya marila)
Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
Goosander (Mergus merganser)
Red-breasted Merganser (Mergus serrator)
Ruddy Duck (Oxyura jamaicensis)
Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix)
Great Crested Grebe (Podiceps cristatus)
Black-necked Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis)
Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)
Eurasian Bittern (Botaurus stellaris)
Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus)
Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis)
Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
Corn Crake (Crex crex)
Common Crane (Grus grus)
Little Ringed Plover (Charadrius dubius)
Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula)
Red Knot (Calidris canutus)
Sanderling (Calidris alba)
Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus)
Eurasian Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola)
Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus)
Greenshank (Tringa nebularia)
Green Sandpiper (Tringa ochropus)
Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola)
Common Sandpiper (Tringa hypoleucos)
Mediterranean Gull (Larus melanocephalus)
Iceland_ Gull (Larus glaucoides)
Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus)
Black Tern (Chlidonias niger)
Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea)
Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)
Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur)
Common Cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)
Tawny Owl (Strix aluco)
Long-eared Owl (Asio otus)
Short-eared Owl (Asio flammeus)
Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major)
Rock Pipit (Anthus petrosus [spinoletta])
Water Pipit (Anthus spinoletta)
Yellow Wagtail (Montacilla flava)
Grey Wagtail (Motacilla cinerea)
Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)
Whinchat (Saxicola rubetra)
Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe)
Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus)
Goldcrest (Regulus regulus)
Marsh Tit (Parus palustris palustris)
Red-backed Shrike (Lanius collurio [cristatus])
Great Grey Shrike (Lanius excubitor)
European Jay (Garrulus glandarius)
House Sparrow (Passer domesticus)
Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)
Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla)
Lesser Redpoll (Carduelis flammea cabaret)
Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)
Corn Bunting (Miliaria calandra)

My best Total was again 2004 with 109 Species when I lived in the Village. I'm on 97 at the moment and my conservative additions would take me to 105. Much harder to add Species here and a strange mix? No doubt the odd mistake also lol! Maybe I'll beat my Best? Water level always key. Anyway, it'll keep me occupied for the remainder of the Year, with no doubt the occasional trip further afield plus my "Scilly Fortnight" of course!

I hope you have fun pursuing your goals...if it ever stops raining...

Tern Around

No self-respecting Blogger would miss an opportunity to use a Tern pun...would they? First venture out along the Cliff since the Monsoon abated. North to the second Pill it was, through the ripening Wheat. There was even a hint of something Blue in the Sky! Fortunately the tide was way out exposing a large expanse of pure sand...

It looked better in Reality!

There were a large number of the regular Gulls of different ages loafing on the Beach which made this lone adult Lesser Black-backed stand out...

I could hear the far carrying call of Sandwich Terns...but I couldn't see any close in. A flock of 18 Oystercatchers sped South. close in, low over the waves. We had a break at the second Pill Box before starting to retrace our steps...carefully!

Further scanning of the beach revealed some smaller "blobs" on the tide line. Some are just that BUT a small cluster promised more...

Common Terns

Then some larger ones...

Sandwich Terns (8)

A few more Common appeared totalling eight also. Signs of "Autumn".