A visit to check on the progress of the latest dredge campaign was enlivened by the wader spectacle on offer. Vast numbers of waders had our pulses racing; 1500+ dunlin, 100+ black-tailed godwit, 500+ avocet, along with good numbers of redshank, grey plover, ringed plover, bar-tailed godwit and topped-off with a handsome adult yellow-legged gull. Suddenly a serene picture was put into turmoil as every last bird took to the air in fright....the culprit, a magnificent female peregrine, went on to make two failed attempts at catching supper. It’s amazing how quickly birds respond to a new food source and we were delighted to see the ‘beach’ extension which is bringing them closer to the main track.
Black Barn Pools held a nice flock of 160 golden plover, 80 lapwing and 22 ringed plover, a mini plover-fest! We were also pleased to see a flock of 13 corn bunting who attracted our attention with their electric ‘pit’ calls. All in all a great visit.
Jason Mitchell, warden