Having been getting brief views throughout recent days whilst moving in and out of the estuary, time for some land based birding today. Common Terns have been a highlight, with c40 still present this morning, with less than 10 juveniles. The more usual Sandwich Terns are just making their brief visits in small numbers.
Waders this morning included 15 Black-tailed Godwits, 13 Sanderling, 2 Common Sandpipers, 2 Turnstone, 55 Ringed Plover, 125 Dunlin and a Redshank was heard calling.
Only 1 Shelduck to be found and a poor August for Mute Swans with only 15 (this used to be nearer 55). Canada Geese numbers vary with the time of day, c1000 at dawn and maybe 2-500 during the day. The Barnacle Geese arrive over night and most leave at dawn - 104 the latest count.
Kittiwakes usually arrive in mid June and roost on the end of Cardigan Island. We had a good movement a couple of weeks ago and manged to read a Brittany col ringed adult, then quiet until last night when c500 arrived in 1 flock. This morning 200 were roosting in a tight flock on the sea just beyond the surf of Poppit beach and another 250 feeding a little further out.
One Bonxie from land so far, a Bonxie and 3 Arctic Skuas passing whilst viewing from the sea during the week.
This afternoon rains will no doubt deliver more......