Stanpit - 10th September

The weather was hot and sunny. Highlights were Avocet, Ruff, Yellow Wagtail, Whinchat, Greenshank, Knot, Whimbrel and Sandwich Tern.

As we walked towards the new hut we saw 2 Whimbrel, a Curlew and a Black-tailed Godwit on the grass and a Grey Wagtail flew over. On Crouch Hill we stopped to view the waders in the harbour – lots of Lapwing, Oystercatcher and Redshank, but the sun was in our eyes so we continued on to get a better view. A Snipe and 5 Greenshank flew by. Further round we got a better view and could see some Curlew and Black-tailed Godwit amongst the waders and a few Sandwich Tern as well. 2 Wheatear were on the grass behind us and Jonathan spotted a group of 10 Avocet that flew in, stayed for a minute or two and then left westwards and flying high. We walked on to the tip of Blackberry Point to view the waders from there, passing 3 Wheatear and 2 Whinchat on Crouch Hill. There was a lot out there. 2 Ruff were found among the Starlings and Lapwings by Victor, several Wigeon still in eclipse plumage were on the marsh, a Yellow Wagtail flew in and landed close by on the grass, Dunlins, some Knot and more Black-tailed Godwit were on the mud and 5 more Avocet arrived. We walked round the rest of the route passing a Marsh Mallow plant and seeing a Whitethroat in the scrub. A very productive walk!!
Simon Curson