After not getting out on Saturday, Sunday saw me finally out at a decent hour [nothing like actually sleeping to help with that..] and down the Nose before the gibbering hordes..
Dozen-plus anglers, but that's standard at high tide.
The Top Dell was quiet on the way down, but on the way out it was another matter [as often happens, it being the only {mostly} chav-free area]. Big party of assorted warblers - almost all far too busy feeding to call, so proper ID fun! - messed about the Sycamore, flycatching and aphid-harvesting. It was wonderful. :D
Willow Warbler!
But before we get too far into that, I spent more than 3 hours on site, mostly NOT staring at the sea [shock].
Though the sea gave the star bird, as it was clear a passage was occurring and I gave it my attention, just in case [and because counting passing seabirds is pretty much a reflex by now..]
Said passing birds were BHGs, and in about an hour I counted 58 heading by south before the flow petered out. With them? Little Gull, 2cy by the look of it. :D
In the same period, 19 Gannets, 2 Fulmars, and 3 Kittiwakes went the same way and a female Common Scoter flew north.
Further off, at least 6 Common Dolphin were active in the outer Bay, but not for long as jetscum arrived and they departed.. Also offshore were at least 4 skua spp., three looking Arctic and one probably a Bonxie but just too far out to rule out a big, aggressive, dark morph Pom [most vexing; I still haven't seen one this year!]
Closer to, an increase to 21 Oystercatcher, roosting in three places over the tide.
At least 5 Wheatear were present, with two seen to fly off west.
"My post!"
Also autumn passerine movements have started, with a scattering of alba Wagtails overhead.
The warbler hike was noticeable, though, with [including the Top Dell posse and IMD] totals of
Willow Warbler 3
Chiffchaff 20+
Garden Warbler 1
Blackcap 7+
Whitethroat 3
"I see you.."
"..Gotcha!"
Sizing up the next one
"'Ere, wot you lookin' at my PP for??"
And as it wasn't all phylloscs...
Hmm, wonder what that is...?
Not a bad day, I thought at the time.
There would be a post-script.
Be Seeing You...
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