WAYMARKERS
1
The river mouth is good for waders, typically Ringed and Kentish Plovers, Redshank and Turnstone, plus Snipe, Green Sandpiper and maybe a Little Ringed Plover further up-river. Check the riverside scrub for early migrants such as Chiffchaff, Blackcap, and Firecrest; Whitespotted Bluethroat are often noted. Also, a good spot for Little Egret, Marsh Harrier, Grey Wagtail, Stonechat, Cetti’s Warbler, Kingfisher and Reed Bunting.
2
The old fort can attract Black Redstart, White Wagtail and an early Wheatear, while the nearby park harbours a variety of tits, finches and an occasional Serin. Another good spot to check shorebirds such as Curlew, Oystercatcher, Dunlin, Sanderling, Grey Plover and Bar-tailed Godwit. Scan the sea for divers, grebes, auks, scoters, gulls and Gannet.
3
The lakes attract dabbling ducks, including Shoveler, Teal, Gadwall and Garganey, plus Little and Black-necked Grebe, Cetti’s Warbler, Kingfisher, Bearded Tit, Water Rail, Sand Martin, Chiffchaff and Stonechat. Another good area for a chance of a Bluethroat or Crested Lark in the sand dunes.
4
Farmland often attract Common, Black-headed and Mediterranean Gulls, Lapwing, Grey Partridge, Kestrel, Buzzard, Sky Lark, Meadow Pipit, White Wagtail, Yellowhammer and Corn Bunting. Look for migrants such as Scandinavian Rock Pipit, Wheatear, Wood Lark and White Wagtail on open ground and Dartford Warbler in scrub.