KEY POINTS

1 The beach and offshore waters should not be passed without scrutiny, as Gannets fish close inshore, Sanderling are quite a feature on passage while Oystercatchers and Turnstones feed among the rocks. Grey Plover come to roost but, so far, no luck finding a Purple Sandpiper, but surely they must occur. A colony of Sand Martins occupies the cliff below the seaweed drying hut.

2 Take the footpath inland from just behind the car park toilets, and the first birds encountered are usually Stonechats, Linnets and Reed Buntings, and with luck passing Choughs. Both Reed and Sedge Warblers nest in the reedbeds and Cetti’s Warblers regularly occur.

3 As I commenced these notes, six Whooper Swans enjoyed several days on the open water, Teal and Shoveler also. Water Rails are more often heard than seen while Bitterns are reported most winters. Large numbers of Snipe frequent the rush pastures, Jack Snipe also.

4 A winter delight are the flocks of Curlew, Golden Plover and Lapwings on the surrounding grassland, and a passing Buzzard, Hen or Marsh Harrier are quite likely to send the waders into flight.