Although not as heavily populated with wildfowl as over the recent winter months, there is still plenty to see at Cliffe Pools. Shelduck are present in significant numbers and on virtually all the pools, but especially on the islands in Radar, the Black Barn pools and on Flamingo. The islands on Radar also provided a roost for Greylags, a few Oystercatchers and a handful of Avocets together with about 200 Redshank and 50 or so Dunlin. Displaying Greta Crested Grebes were also on the pool. Avocets, Oystercatchers and Redshanks were also scattered along the Black Barn pools, Coastguards and Flamingo and the Black Barn pools held a variety of wildfowl including Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Gadwall and Mute Swans. The reedbeds along Mead Way was also hosting a singing contest between Sedge Warblers and Marsh Frogs. I think the Marsh Frogs were winning!
Black Headed Gulls seemed to be present in significant numbers and on every pool. There was also a mixed flock of around 150 gulls in a field alongside Mead Way which included 45 Mediterranean Gulls - easily distinguished from the their "Black Headed" cousins by their black heads (as opposed to chocolate brown of the Black Headed Gulls) and white wing tips (as opposed to black of BHG's).
thanks to Les Edwins, resident volunteer, for this report