Cliffe Pools
A combination of high tide and torrential rain meant many birds were seeking shelter on the pools this morning. Little Stint (3) was the standout bird (life tick!); even the torrential rain couldn’t spoil the view of several individuals feeding in the north eastern corner of Radar. A sizeable flock of Godwits here held both Bar-tailed and Black-tailed, along with Redshank, Lapwing and a solitary Ruff.
A pleasing variety of gulls were ruling the roost at Flamingo, unmoved by both the weather and a young fox which was sniffing about on the shore. Lesser Black-backed, Herring, Common and Black-headed were all on offer, showing a challenging but impressive range of plumages. A Wood Sandpiper made a brief appearance before flying off into mist. Elsewhere on site, House Martins and Swallows have appeared in good numbers throughout the week.
Shorne
A female Whinchat was the pick of the bunch on Wednesday, with a very wet Peregrine a close second. Yellow Wagtails were visible across the site too.
Peter Beckenham, RSPB Residential Volunteer, Northward Hill