When we arrived at the visitor centre there were Swallows flying around and Chiffchaffs, Willow Warblers, Blackcaps and Whitethroats calling all around us. Viewing from the hide and the gap through the hedge the Yellowlegs was showing well but fairly distantly at the back of the pool, in the company of a Greenshank, 3 Ruffs and several Redshank. There were lots of Shelduck and further scanning found Teal, Tufted Duck, Shoveler, Gadwall, Oystercatcher, Black-tailed Godwit and a nice male Wheatear amongst others.
We took the path along the west side of the harbour stopping to scan over the harbour and fields every so often. Warblers and Linnets were singing from the scrub and Skylarks and pipits were flying around. We came to a small crowd of birders who were watching a Short-eared Owl sitting in a field. We had good views through the scope as it tried to sit through the attacks of Lapwings. A Buzzard was circling overhead and a Reed bunting was on the saltmarsh. The tide was quite high so most birds were roosting by the harbour mouth and around Church Norton.
We walked through the churchyard and past the fort, down to the edge of the harbour. There were loads of waders, mostly Bar-tailed Godwit, Dunlin, Knot, Grey Plover and a few Curlew and Whimbrel. A Guillemot swimming around was quite surprising. One or two Sandwich Terns were flying back and forth.
Down to the beach where almost immediately a dark phase Arctic Skua flew past low across the water. It started fairly close before turning towards the horizon and disappearing into the fog at sea. A Gannet also flew past as did a pair of Red-breasted Mergansers and small flocks of waders. Several Turnstones were feeding along the shingle.
On the way back the tide had retreated meaning many waders had moved further into the harbour. 3 Red-legged Partridge were in the fields but there was no sign of the Shortie. Scanning through the waders showed more Whimbrel with Curlews next to them for comparison. A Cetti's was singing from the reedbed and a Reed Bunting gave an excellent view in the hawthorn.
Back by the ferry pool we had a great view of this Kestrel. The Yellowlegs was still in the same place as before with the other waders. A single House Martin was flying over the centre and a Buzzard gave a close flyby.




























