Just Great...Skuas.

13^th Oct.  I’ve had a pretty non active period so I was determined to get out and about today what ever the weather.  As it turned out the weather was far better than had been forecast with just a bit of drizzle in the wind.  Sam and I discussed the benefits of winter birding as we joined the beach at Brier Dene and watched the high tide on the turn as four Great Skuas flew north fairly close into shore.  The flocks of Golden Plover could be seen flying over and around St Mary’s Island.  Dog walkers were out in some force.

On reaching the wetland we found at least two Goldcrest and heard others.  I’m also confident the Firecrest was heard too, although not sighted.  It’s gone onto my heard only list and Sam’s growing ‘in the presence of’ list.  It wasn’t long before we got chatting to regular birders Jack B, Brian R, Darren, Michael F and Andy S.

As we headed off towards Seaton Sluice Rock Pipits were found and numbers of Meadow Pipits were found in the fields along with singing Skylark.  A number of Golden Plover were close by us in the fields and the flocks of Lapwing were more distant.  We were treated once again to a display from the small murmuration of Starlings.

I understand those of refined taste have been following my blog to learn of premier fish and chip restraunts.  Unfortunately at this time of year the best of the lot is closed on Sundays so I took the chance to introduce Sam to the delights of Castaways Café.  I can recommend this establishment with some authority.  We enjoyed our small detour before partaking in some seawatching.  Unfortunately sea passage today was not as it had been in recent days, but never the less we did add at least another eight Great Skuas to the list, which wasn’t bad considering neither of us had seen a single one this year until today.  Several Red-throated Divers were also seen flying north.  Small flocks of Wigeon. Teal, Eider and Common Scoter were also seen as were large numbers of Gannet.

Such was the expected weather I had left the photographic gear at home, but as it happens as we had left Castaways we had found the sky over the sea much clearer and as time went on we seemed to be surrounded by blue sky, although this didn’t last for long.  A good day with the usual good chat.