Wet and windy!

The south wind was light to begin with but freshened quickly from mid morning. Very strong by the afternoon but still a bit SE till evening when it began to move to SW. the rain had the decency to hold off till mid morning, then the showers became increasing heavy, prolonged and frequent.

South shore (Malcolm) 09:00 - 11:00

I went out from the saltmarsh high up the shore, then back along the waterline.

There were no waders feeding high up the shore, but plenty along the waterline, surprisingly no Knot or Godwits.

Curlew 160

Oystercatcher 150

Grey Plover 75

Dunlin 64

It was easier counting today as most of the waders were just resting.

Most of the Grey Plover and Dunlin

Grey Plover in the foreground.
The small boat is the pilot boat returning to the harbour after guiding the ship out

Grey Plover

The Grey Plover in the middle is still largely in summer plumage 

Closer to the saltmarsh 

Redshank 30

Lapwing 34

Lapwings

Shelduck 100+ in front of the foreshore, many more visible further south.

 

There were at least 2 juvenile Shelduck

Mediterranean gull 2 adults resting on the shore

Mediterranean gull

It started raining as I was heading back to the saltmarsh, it never really stopped again.

Linnet 60 on saltmarsh 

Wheatear 1 on the foreshore 

Wigeon 92 counted around Red Nab but others would have been out of sight.

Wigeon. This was about as good as the light got today. The world was in monochrome!

The Fox Moth caterpillar was no more than a 1m from where I left it yesterday. It was happily chomping on some trefoil.

Once again, as I tried to demonstrate size, it curled into a ball, but this shot
does give an idea. I have very long fingers.

I couldn't resist a walk along the sea wall this afternoon. I wasn't optimistic as the wind was SSE and the tide out. The wind was very strong by this time and the rain constant and heavy. There was nothing on the outfalls and I couldn't see anything on the sea. On the way back I couldn't see anything at all with the wind driving the rain into my face. The wind should be SW overnight and in the morning, so hopefully something will be blown in.