Bird walk Newtown on 28th September 2019

Eight members met at the National Trust car park for a walk let by Nicky Falconar on the nature reserve.  It was very windy and the tide exceptionally high. Despite this we saw 44 species during the course of the morning. One of our number saw a Pied Flycatcher by Causeway bridge on his way to the car park. A few Swallows flew by and about 10 Meadow Pipits were disturbed from the marsh near the salt pans by the rising tide, a few Sky Larks were in the meadow. Lapwing was seen in the distance.  Flocks of about 50 Dunlin and 60 Ringed Plover took to the air. 12 Turnstone were seen on the remnants of the causeway as were one Grey Plover, 7 Cormorants and 2 Sandwich Terns.  We also saw a Mediterranean Gull with 28 Black-headed Gulls on Gull Island. About 50 Canada Geese were dotted about. 35 Curlew and at least 40 Oystercatcher too were seen as were 7 Little Egret a Greenshank and at least 13 Redshank.  We were hoping for an Osprey but were not lucky, however a Peregrine obligingly sat on a post for us to admire through the telescope. We also had a Marsh Harrier, Buzzard and a Kestrel. The ducks were represented by Wigeon, Mallard and Pintail as well as 18 Shelduck.  Jackie Hart.

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