A flock of c560+ Black-tailed Godwits was roosting below the railway line, at Mudbank, as the tide dropped this morning. It was fantastic to get such good views. We don't normally get any decent-sized flocks until the autumn so today's gathering must have been as a result of some displacement, possibly flooding related, from further upriver. My only previous Black-wit this year was a single bird on February 7th. Nearby off Shelly Beach - 9 Eider (distant, towards Cockwood Corner) and 7 Red-breasted Mergansers.
Off the seafront early this morning - a single Guillemot, 9+ Red-throated Divers past, 1 Common Scoter and 2 Fulmars. A flock of waders roosting close to the lifeboat station consisted of c375+ Oystercatchers, 2 Bar-tailed Godwits, 2 Dunlin, 7 Knot and 9 Sanderling.
It's unusual to get any waders roosting on the beach and I was pleasantly surprised at how several dog-walkers gave them a deliberately wide berth. They had at least half and hour's peace whilst I was there but then this fool decided she needed some social media 'likes' - ploughing straight into them, phone aloft...
There's no cure for stupid!
ReplyDeleteJust ignorance I think Tom. It's a bit worrying that waders are choosing Exmouth beach - surely a sign that safe roosting sites aren't available at the Warren. It would be ok if Exmouth beach was undisturbed but there isn't a minute in the day when it isn't. This morning there was again a small roost by the lifeboat station but it was quickly flushed by a dog-walker. I noticed another large flock of what looked like Dunlin, way out over the bay - presumably displaced. Let's hope the birds aren't forced to look for alternative wintering sites to the Exe. All the best. Matt.
ReplyDeleteThat would be very sad. I thought the Warren was pretty much secluded and well fenced too.
ReplyDeleteHi Tom - not too sure what's happening at the Warren but there appears to be very little beach at high tide. Matt.
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